USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack announced Warren Preston as USDA’s Deputy Chief Economist, effective February 21st. Preston has served as senior economist for agricultural policy in the Office of the Chief Economist since August of last year, after serving as USDA’s acting Deputy Chief Economist since last February. He joined USDA in 1992. In his role as Deputy Chief Economist for Policy Analysis, Preston advises the Chief Economist, the Secretary, and top policy officials regarding the economic implications of programs, regulations, and legislative proposals affecting the U.S. food and fiber system and rural areas.