Kansas Governor Sam Brownback today announced Jackie McClaskey as Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, succeeding Dale Rodman, who will step down from the position Dec. 10, 2013.

McClaskey, a Manhattan resident,  grew up on a small family farm in Girard. She has been with the Department of Agriculture since 2011.  She served as an assistant secretary beginning in January 2011 before being named Deputy Secretary in July. Before joining the Department of Agriculture served as Assistant Dean of the Kansas State University, College of Agriculture.

Rodman, a native Kansan, has an extensive background in agribusiness and agriculture development.  In January 2011, Governor Brownback appointed him as Secretary of Agriculture.

In May 2012, he was confirmed by the Senate to serve on the Board of Directors of the Kansas Bioscience Authority. In July 2013, he was elected Chair of the KBA Board of Directors, a position in which he will continue to serve.