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Thomas VilsackUS Secretary of Agriculture
Date of Birth: 12.12.1950
Country:  USA |
Content:
- Biography of Tom Vilsack
- Political Career in Iowa
- Accomplishments as Governor
- Presidential Campaign and Post-Gubernatorial Career
- Appointment as Secretary of Agriculture
- Personal Life
- Legacy
Biography of Tom Vilsack
Early Life and EducationTom James Vilsack was born on December 12, 1950, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. After being given up for adoption, he was adopted by Bud and Dolly Vilsack and grew up in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. He attended Shady Side Academy, where he played football, and later went on to attend Hamilton College in New York. He graduated in 1972 with a degree in history and then attended Albany Law School, where he received his Juris Doctor degree in 1975.
Political Career in Iowa
After graduating from law school, Vilsack moved to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, where he worked at his father-in-law's law firm and also coached baseball. In 1987, he was elected as the mayor of Mount Pleasant, becoming the first Democratic mayor in the city in decades. He served as mayor until 1999 when he was elected to the Iowa State Senate. In 1998, Vilsack was elected as the governor of Iowa, making him the first Democratic governor in the state in over 30 years. He was re-elected in 2002 and served until 2007.
Accomplishments as Governor
During his time as governor, Vilsack focused on issues such as supporting the production of biofuels, improving education, and expanding access to healthcare. He also created the Grow Iowa Values Fund, an organization aimed at attracting investment and creating jobs in Iowa. However, his tenure as governor was not without its challenges, including a rise in unemployment and an economic slowdown.
Presidential Campaign and Post-Gubernatorial Career
In 2006, Vilsack announced his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. However, he ended his campaign in early 2007 due to lack of fundraising support. After leaving office as governor, Vilsack joined the law firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP. He also served as a professor at Drake University Law School and was involved in various organizations focused on agriculture and biotechnology.
Appointment as Secretary of Agriculture
In 2009, Vilsack was appointed as the Secretary of Agriculture by President Barack Obama. He served in this role until 2017, making him the longest-serving Secretary of Agriculture since Orville Freeman in the 1960s. As Secretary, Vilsack focused on issues such as rural development, food safety, and agricultural sustainability.
Personal Life
Vilsack is married to Christine Bell, a schoolteacher. They have two sons together, Jess and Doug. In his free time, Vilsack enjoys running and has participated in marathons. He also owns a farm in Iowa.
Legacy
Tom Vilsack's tenure as Secretary of Agriculture was marked by his efforts to support rural communities and promote sustainable agriculture. His focus on issues such as biofuels and rural development has had a lasting impact on the agricultural industry in the United States.
