New Deputy Administrator for Management Moves Swiftly to Tackle Transition, Strengthen Workforce

After less than a month on the job, FSA’s new Deputy Administrator for Management, Philip Short, has already developed a clear vision of how he wants to lead the agency’s management divisions. His priorities are to facilitate a smooth administration transition and to create and implement a human capital plan that will strengthen the FSA workforce. Short’s oversight includes human resources, management services, acquisition management and homeland security functions.

His immediate focus will be on supporting the transition. “We are in a period of transition and transformation. The transition needs to be seamless so not a stitch is dropped for our clients and all programs continue to run smoothly,” stated Short. “As new appointees come in, we need to anticipate a time of integration. We need to provide support and knowledge to the new staff so they are able to effectively communicate with the administration and Congress about the needs and achievements of FSA.”

He also believes that implementing a human capital plan at FSA headquarters is vital to providing better support to the county offices. “We have a diverse workforce with a wide array of skills. I want to maintain that diversity but also make sure the skills of the staff are appropriately matched to their positions,” Short said.

In 1996 Short was elected to the Louisiana State Senate where he served as vice chairman of the agriculture committee and worked closely with FSA on policy issues. No stranger to America’s farming environment, Short spent many of his childhood days at his family’s farm in Winfield, Kan. He has also served for more than 24 years as a U.S. Marine officer and aviator. Prior to joining USDA, Short directed the Personal and Family Readiness Division at Marine Corps headquarters.

He holds masters degrees in business administration and computer systems management from Webster University in St. Louis, Mo., and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Louisiana Tech University in Ruston, La.

Short was raised in Shreveport, La., and currently resides in Virginia with his wife Suzanne. They have two daughters and two granddaughters.

Phillip Short, the agency’s new DAM, is enthusiastic about working with FSA’s current workforce and welcoming new staff as part of the administration transition.