FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2001
USDA APPOINTS CHARLES SPARKS TO HEAD RURAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN SC
(WASHINGTON) March 12, 2001--The U.S. Department of Agriculture
today appointed Charles D. Sparks as the South Carolina State Director
for USDA Rural Development.
Sparks, from Columbia, S.C., grew up on his family’s farm in rural
Cherokee County. Sparks had his first experience with USDA as a student
trainee while attending Clemson College, now Clemson University. Upon graduation,
he began his 37-year career with USDA in 1964 as an assistant county supervisor
in the Abbeville County office. In subsequent years, Sparks worked
for USDA as a housing specialist, program support director, senior appraiser,
and single family housing program director.
Sparks has served in several leadership positions as a member of Gideons International, Organization of Professional Employees (USDA), and St. Andrews Baptist Church in Columbia. He has received numerous recognition awards and certificates of appreciation for his dedication and service to his community and housing related issues in South Carolina.
USDA Rural Development serves as the lead federal entity for rural development needs, and administers program assistance through three agencies: Rural Housing Service, Rural Business - Cooperative Service, and Rural Utilities Service. Further information on USDA Rural Development programs can be obtained by visiting USDA’s web site at www.rurdev.usda.gov.