Arlisa Armstrong

Arlisa Armstrong has been appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as the new USDA rural development state director of Tennessee. Prior to her appointment as state director, Armstrong spent three decades working in rural development in Western Tennessee. She successfully led several initiatives across a 12-county service area effectively implementing residential, business, commercial and profit/nonprofit loan and grant making authorities for direct and guaranteed lending programs. She previously served as a member of the Federal Reserve Bank Community Development Advisory Board and is a member of the WestStar Tennessee Leadership Program. She is also a graduate of the Delta Regional Institute Leadership Class of 2011. Armstrong holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Middle Tennessee State University. RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of Rural Development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce