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Jewel H. Bronaugh
Jewel Bronaugh, USDA Deputy Secretary.jpg
14th United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture
In office
May 17, 2021 – March 3, 2023
President Joe Biden
Preceded by Stephen Censky
Succeeded by Xochitl Torres Small
16th Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
In office
April 2018 – May 2021
Governor Ralph Northam
Succeeded by Brad Copenhaver
Personal details
Born Petersburg, Virginia, U.S.
Education James Madison University (BS)
Virginia Tech (MEd, EdD)

Jewel Hairston Bronaugh is an important American government official. She served as the 14th United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. This is a very high-ranking job in the U.S. government. Before that, she was the 16th Commissioner for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. She held that role from 2018 to 2021. Jewel Bronaugh made history as the first African-American person to be the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture.

Jewel Bronaugh's Early Life and Education

Jewel Bronaugh grew up in Petersburg, Virginia. She went to James Madison University and earned a bachelor's degree in education. Later, she continued her studies at Virginia Tech. There, she earned two more degrees: a master's degree in education and a doctorate. Her doctorate focused on career and technical education.

Her Career Journey

Jewel Bronaugh has had a long and successful career in agriculture and government. She has worked in universities and for the state and federal governments.

Working at Virginia State University

In 2001, Bronaugh started working at Virginia State University (VSU). She was a faculty member there. For five years, she was the dean of the VSU College of Agriculture. This meant she was in charge of the agriculture programs at the university. After that, she became the executive director of the VSU Center for Agricultural Research, Engagement and Outreach (CAREO). This center helps with farming research and community programs.

Leading Agriculture in Virginia

In 2018, the Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, chose Jewel Bronaugh for a big job. She became the 16th Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. In this role, she helped manage farming and protect consumers in Virginia. She worked to make sure food was safe and that farmers had the support they needed.

Becoming Deputy Secretary of Agriculture

In January 2021, Joe Biden was the President-elect. He nominated Jewel Bronaugh to be the United States Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. This is a very important position in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA helps farmers, makes sure food is safe, and manages land.

The United States Senate had to approve her nomination. On May 13, 2021, the Senate confirmed her by a voice vote. This means they approved her without a formal count. She was officially sworn into her new role on May 17, 2021.

Her Time as Deputy Secretary

As Deputy Secretary, Jewel Bronaugh helped lead the USDA. She worked on many important issues related to farming, food, and rural communities. On January 26, 2023, Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that Bronaugh would be leaving her position. She resigned from the role on March 3, 2023.

See also

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