American Soybean Association CEO Steve Censky has been nominated by U.S. President Donald J. Trump to serve as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture at USDA. Censky has led the ASA as CEO since 1996.

Before becoming CEO of the ASA, Censky served at USDA in the administrations of Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, including as administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service. Censky came to Washington, D.C., originally as a legislative aide to former Sen. Jim Abdnor of South Dakota.

Censky grew up on a farm near Jackson, Minnesota, and earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from South Dakota State University, as well as a master’s degree in agricultural science from the University of Melbourne, Australia.

“Steve has guided our organization for 21 years and in that time he has proven himself as an effective, dedicated and visionary voice on behalf of soybean farmers nationwide,” said Ron Moore, ASA president from Roseville, Illinois. “Nobody in agriculture is better equipped to assist Secretary Perdue in meeting the needs of farmers with practical solutions than Steve. He is a perfect fit for this role and we give him our strongest endorsement.”

Donnell Rehagen, CEO of the National Biodiesel Board, said, “President Trump’s pick of Steve Censky to be Deputy Secretary of Agriculture is an outstanding step forward for agriculture and the countless related markets, like biodiesel, that play a key role in supporting our economy. Steve implicitly understands the immeasurable benefits that agriculture and related products deliver, as well as the ongoing challenges we face. We are thrilled to see Steve take on this new role with the administration, and we know he will continue to advance America’s successful efforts in renewable energy and sustainability.”

The Senate Agriculture Committee has not announced when it will hold a hearing on Censky’s nomination.