Tom Vilsack facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tom Vilsack
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Official portrait, 2021
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| 30th & 32nd United States Secretary of Agriculture | |
| In office February 24, 2021 – January 20, 2025 |
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| President | Joe Biden |
| Deputy | Jewel H. Bronaugh Xochitl Torres Small |
| Preceded by | Sonny Perdue |
| Succeeded by | Brooke Rollins |
| In office January 20, 2009 – January 13, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Deputy | Kathleen Merrigan Krysta Harden Michael Scuse (acting) |
| Preceded by | Ed Schafer |
| Succeeded by | Sonny Perdue |
| 40th Governor of Iowa | |
| In office January 15, 1999 – January 12, 2007 |
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| Lieutenant | Sally Pederson |
| Preceded by | Terry Branstad |
| Succeeded by | Chet Culver |
| Member of the Iowa Senate from the 49th district |
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| In office January 11, 1993 – January 11, 1999 |
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| Preceded by | Jack W. Hester |
| Succeeded by | Mark Shearer |
| Mayor of Mount Pleasant | |
| In office 1987–1992 |
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| Preceded by | Edward King |
| Succeeded by | Stanley Hill |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Thomas James Vilsack
December 13, 1950 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse |
Christie Bell
(m. 1973) |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | Hamilton College (BA) Albany Law School (JD) |
| Signature |  |
Thomas James Vilsack (born December 13, 1950) is an American politician. He has served as the United States Secretary of Agriculture twice. His first time was from 2009 to 2017, during President Barack Obama's time in office. He returned to the role from 2021 to 2025 under President Joe Biden.
Before working in the federal government, Vilsack was the 40th governor of Iowa. He held this position from 1999 to 2007. He is a member of the Democratic Party. In 2006, he briefly ran for president in the 2008 election.
In 2016, Vilsack was considered as a possible running mate for Hillary Clinton during her presidential campaign. He was confirmed as Secretary of Agriculture for his second term in 2021. He is the second longest-serving Secretary of Agriculture in U.S. history.
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Early Life and Education
Tom Vilsack was born on December 13, 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was adopted in 1951 by Bud and Dolly Vilsack, who named him Thomas James.
He attended Shady Side Academy, a high school in Pittsburgh. In 1972, he earned a bachelor's degree from Hamilton College. He then studied law at Albany Law School, receiving his law degree in 1975.
Starting in Politics: Mayor and State Senator
After getting married, Vilsack moved to Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He became involved in his community by helping to raise money for a youth athletic center. This led him to join local groups like the Chamber of Commerce.
In 1987, Vilsack was elected mayor of Mount Pleasant. He served in this role until 1992. After his time as mayor, he was elected to the Iowa Senate in 1992. As a state senator, he worked on laws to improve worker pay and benefits. He also helped create a law for health coverage when people changed jobs.
Serving as Governor of Iowa (1999-2007)
In 1998, Tom Vilsack ran for governor of Iowa. He won the election, becoming the first Democrat to be governor of Iowa in 30 years. He was re-elected for a second term in 2002.
During his time as governor, Vilsack focused on boosting Iowa's economy. He also signed an order in 2005 that allowed people who had completed their prison sentences to vote again. He believed they should be reconnected with society.
He was a leader among governors, serving as chair of the Democratic Governors Association in 2004. He also worked on farm and energy policies for the National Governors Association.
Running for President in 2008
On November 30, 2006, Tom Vilsack announced he would run for president in the 2008 election. However, he ended his campaign on February 23, 2007, due to not having enough money.
During his campaign, Vilsack used social media like MySpace and YouTube to connect with voters. He also supported creating a U.S. Public Service Academy. After ending his presidential bid, Vilsack supported Hillary Clinton's campaign.
Views on the Iraq War
Vilsack was critical of how the war in Iraq was managed. He believed that U.S. forces should withdraw from Iraq. He thought this would encourage the Iraqi government to take more control of their country.
Views on Energy Security
Vilsack proposed an Energy Security Agenda to reduce the U.S.'s reliance on foreign energy. He wanted to cut carbon emissions and make America a leader in clean energy. He believed that while corn-based ethanol was important, new technologies for cellulosic ethanol were needed for true energy security.
Secretary of Agriculture (2009–2017)
First Appointment
In December 2008, President-elect Barack Obama chose Vilsack to be the 30th United States Secretary of Agriculture. The Senate approved his nomination on January 20, 2009. Many agricultural groups supported his appointment.
Key Actions
In 2012, President Obama named Vilsack the designated survivor for the State of the Union address. This means Vilsack would have taken over as president if something had happened to the president and other leaders.
Vilsack also defended a processed beef product called "pink slime" by its critics. He stated it was safe and healthy for consumers and schools.
Views on Global Warming
In 2014, Vilsack discussed climate change and agriculture. He noted that U.S. agriculture contributes only a small percentage of greenhouse gases. He emphasized that the industry faces challenges globally regarding its environmental impact.
Between Cabinet Roles
After his first term as Secretary of Agriculture ended in 2017, Vilsack became the president and CEO of the US Dairy Export Council. He supported Joe Biden in the 2020 Democratic presidential primaries.
Secretary of Agriculture (2021–2025)
Second Appointment
In December 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced he would nominate Vilsack to serve as Secretary of Agriculture again. The Senate confirmed his nomination on February 23, 2021. He was sworn into office by Vice President Kamala Harris the next day.
Work as Secretary
During his second term, the USDA made new rules for school meals to limit sugar content.
Supporting Meat Production
Vilsack announced that the USDA would use $100 million to help expand meat processing in the U.S. This funding aimed to increase competition and create jobs in rural areas. In 2024, over $35 million in grants were given to 15 independent meat processors.
Protecting Forests
The USDA also invested in state forestry departments. This money helped plant new trees and reduce extreme heat. It also improved access to nature. In 2024, the USDA announced up to $7.7 billion in aid for farmers and foresters. This money helps them adopt conservation practices.
Expanding Rural Internet
Vilsack helped expand high-speed internet across the nation. This was part of a $65 billion effort from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Life After Government
After his second term as Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack was named the new CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation. He started this role on March 1, 2025.
Personal Life
Tom Vilsack met his wife, Ann Christine "Christie" Bell, in college in 1968. They married on August 18, 1973, in Christie's hometown of Mount Pleasant, Iowa. The couple moved to Mount Pleasant in 1975.
Tom and Christie Vilsack have two sons, Jess and Doug. In 2020, Vilsack won $150,000 in the Powerball lottery.
Images for kids
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Tom Vilsack's signature
See also
In Spanish: Tom Vilsack para niños
