Nomination of Jo Ann D. Smith To Be an Assistant Secretary of Agriculture

The President today announced his intention to nominate Jo Ann D. Smith to be Assistant Secretary of Agriculture (Marketing and Inspection). She would succeed Kenneth A. Gilles.

Since 1958 Mrs. Smith has been an operating partner, secretary, and treasurer of Smith Brothers Farming and Ranching in Wacahoota, FL. In addition she served as vice president of Smith Construction Co., 1962 - 1988, and as a marketing and public relations consultant for White Meat Packers, 1981 - 1988. Mrs. Smith served as chairman of the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board from 1986 to 1988 and president of the National Cattlemen's Association in 1985. She has also served as chairman of the board for the Federal Reserve Bank of Jacksonville, FL, 1984 - 1986, and as a member of the board of governors for the Chicago Mercantile Board of Trade, 1985 - 1987. She was a member of the U.S. Advisory Committee for Trade Negotiations, 1985 - 1987, and a member of the Governor's Task Force on the Future of Florida Agriculture, 1984 - 1986. Mrs. Smith has served on the executive committee of the National Cattlemen's Association, 1982 - 1988.

Mrs. Smith was born May 9, 1939, in Gainesville, FL. She is married, has two children, and currently resides in Micanopy, FL.