Tom Vilsack

Tom Vilsack

Name	Tom Vilsack
Birth name
Birth date	December 13, 1950
Birth place	Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Politician, Lawyer
Years active
Organization
Known for	United States Secretary of Agriculture
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Thomas James Vilsack (born December 13, 1950) is an American politician and lawyer who has served as the United States Secretary of Agriculture since February 24, 2021, under President Joe Biden. He previously held the same position from 2009 to 2017 during the presidency of Barack Obama. Vilsack was also the 40th Governor of Iowa from 1999 to 2007.

Early Life and Education

Tom Vilsack was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was adopted by Bud and Dolly Vilsack. He attended Shady Side Academy, a private school in Pittsburgh. Vilsack earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Hamilton College in 1972 and a Juris Doctor from Albany Law School in 1975.

Political Career

Governor of Iowa

Vilsack began his political career in Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he served as mayor from 1987 to 1992. He was elected to the Iowa State Senate in 1992, serving until 1998. In 1998, Vilsack was elected Governor of Iowa, becoming the first Democrat to hold the office in over 30 years. During his tenure, he focused on education reform, economic development, and healthcare.

Secretary of Agriculture

Vilsack was appointed as the United States Secretary of Agriculture by President Barack Obama in 2009. During his first term, he worked on initiatives to improve food safety, promote renewable energy, and support rural communities. He also played a key role in the implementation of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010.

In 2021, President Joe Biden nominated Vilsack to return as Secretary of Agriculture. His second tenure has focused on addressing climate change, supporting farmers, and enhancing food security.

Policies and Initiatives

Renewable Energy

Vilsack has been a strong advocate for renewable energy, particularly biofuels. He has supported policies to increase the production and use of ethanol and biodiesel, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote energy independence.

Food Security

Under Vilsack's leadership, the USDA has worked to improve food security through various programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and initiatives to reduce food waste.

Climate Change

Vilsack has emphasized the role of agriculture in combating climate change. He has promoted practices such as cover cropping, no-till farming, and agroforestry to sequester carbon and improve soil health.

Personal Life

Tom Vilsack is married to Christie Vilsack, a former First Lady of Iowa and a former candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives. They have two sons.

Also see

• United States Department of Agriculture
• Barack Obama
• Joe Biden
• Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010
• Renewable energy in the United States