Warren C. Smith of Ellenboro, N.C., was recently selected to serve as area director for USDA Rural Development by state director Randall Gore. &bsp;

As area director in Shelby, Smith serves as an advocate for rural communities and citizens in Polk, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln and Rutherford counties. Effective Oct. 1, Catawba, Iredell, McDowell and Mecklenburg counties will be added to the service area. &bsp;

Smith will administer the Rural Development programs and services provided by the USDA that can enhance economic success.

I want to make sure were reaching out to the total community with information and assistance regarding Rural Development programs and resources, Smith said in a recent press release. I also want to make sure that our programs and services are user-friendly.

Smith formerly served as Virginia State Director of Housing & Community Development in Richmond and Director of Housing & Economic Development in Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia. He has held similar positions at local, state and federal levels over his 30-year career. He most recently served as deputy housing officer with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cherokee, N.C.&bsp;&bsp; &bsp;

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages more than 40 housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of 6,100 employees located in 500 state and local offices. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $138 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

Smith can be contacted at USDA Rural Development, 844 Wallace Grove Road, Shelby, N.C. 28150 or by calling 704-471-0235, extension 4.

More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.