Meet USDA Rural Development Mississippi State Director Dr. Trina N. George

Meet USDA Rural Development Mississippi State Director Dr. Trina N. George

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development in Mississippi boasts a dynamic and invaluable leader in State Director Dr. Trina N. George. Initially appointed in 2009 and once again selected to serve under the Biden administration in 2022, George has demonstrated a unique aptitude for catalyzing growth in the state’s rural areas.

A testament to her value, during her first term, George was classified among the nation’s 15 Unsung Heroes by the USDA’s Organization of Professional Employees. She holds degrees from Mississippi Valley State University, Mississippi State University, and Walden University. George has been fundamental in promoting economic development, tackling affordable housing issues, and working to improve life in impoverished counties in Mississippi.

Scaling the Ranks of Service

George’s preparation for the position of state director is rooted in her extensive experience in public service roles. Starting her career in local government and nonprofit-related projects including youth programs, healthcare, and GED programs, George accrued invaluable knowledge of community needs and, in turn, honed her relationship-building skills.

Her role as special project coordinator with Congressman Bennie G. Thompson brought her face-to-face with the communities’ needs for rural housing, water, and infrastructure. This role allowed her to work closely with partners such as the USDA to provide solutions for constituents, giving her insight into USDA’s various initiatives and programs.

Stimulating Economic Development

As state director of USDA Rural Development, her work is central to economic growth in Mississippi. Many of the agency’s programs improve the infrastructure, create jobs, and support rural businesses. George’s role is instrumental in identifying community needs, providing funding, and promoting sustainable development.

Under her visionary leadership, the Mississippi Rural Development Single-Family Housing team had an historic achievement obligating over $46.9 million in funding in the fiscal year 2023. Her innovative approach to affordable housing, despite challenges such as higher interest rates and inflated home prices, has made a notable difference in rural Mississippians’ lives.

Addressing Mississippi’s Rural Challenges

Dr. George acknowledges the myriad challenges that impoverished Mississippi counties face. Being a native Mississippian, Dr. George sees first-hand the opportunities for the state’s advancement. Yet, the state must overcome issues such as aging infrastructure, inadequate housing, and lack of healthcare access to fully harness its potential.

Under George’s leadership, USDA has taken up targeted measures like providing low-interest loans and tax credits. The department has also reduced administrative hurdles to expeditiate housing projects and conducted outreach programs to create awareness about the state’s affordable housing programs and resources.

Under George’s leadership, USDA has also invested in rural clinics and hospitals, provided funding for distance learning and telemedicine for healthcare facilities and school systems, replaced aging water infrastructure, and expanded high-speed internet access. Dr. George believes that to improve these conditions, continued cooperation between state and federal partners and buy-in from local stakeholders is crucial.

Looking Forward

George advocates for Mississippians to better understand and leverage the variety of programs offered by the USDA. Alongside her team, George frequently travels across the state, reaching out to local communities and hosting meetings to explain their programs, help them navigate the application process, and address any doubts.

Furthermore, her experience working with the city government has taught her the importance of coalition building to drive positive change in rural Mississippi. As she collaboratively fosters partnerships with various stakeholders, rural Mississippi stands to gain significantly in all aspects.