Kelliann Blazek, a former congressional staffer who was the first director of Wisconsin’s Office of Rural Prosperity, will serve as the agriculture and rural policy adviser to President Biden, announced the White House. The head of the Wisconsin Economic Development Commission, Melissa Hughes, said Blazek “will bring great depth to the administration” with experience at the state and federal level, reported the Wisconsin State Journal.
Blazek was legal counsel to Rep. Chellie Pingree, Maine Democrat, before accepting the job in Wisconsin, where she grew up on her family’s farm. She has a 2014 law degree from the University of Wisconsin. Blazek worked at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition before joining Pingree’s staff and also has taught at the George Mason University law school.
The White House said Blazek will serve on the Domestic Policy Council. She was among 21 appointees announced on Friday. “These qualified, impressive, and dedicated individuals reflect the diversity and strength of America and will play critical roles advancing the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to tackling the crises we face and building back our country better,” said the White House.