Ann Veneman, who hails from Modesto, CA, earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California-Davis. She furthered her education by obtaining a master’s degree from the University of California-Berkeley and a doctorate from the University of California, Hastings College of Law. From 1986 to 1989, she worked at the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service as an Associate Administrator. Following this role, she held the position of Deputy Undersecretary of Agriculture for International Affairs and Commodity Programs from 1989 to 1991. During this time, she effectively managed various international matters such as trade policy, negotiations, and food aid.
Veneman then served as Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from 1991 to 1993, making her second-in-command overseeing its activities and its 42 agencies. In 1995, Governor Wilson appointed her to lead a state agency responsible for regulating the largest agricultural economy in the nation with an annual budget of $194 million and approximately employing around 1,800 individuals.
Throughout her career, Veneman actively participated in major international negotiations including GATT’s Uruguay Round negotiations NAFTA and U.S-Canada Free Trade Agreement. She also serves on several boards such as Farm Foundation and Close-up Foundation. Additionally, Veneman is associated with various organizations like the International Policy Council on Agriculture Food and TradeMoreover, in addition to her governmental responsibilities, she has also worked as a lawyer at Patton Boggs, LLP located in Washington, DC and Damrell, Nelson, Schrimp, Pallios & Ladine situated in Modesto, CA.
With her background in international trade, Veneman prioritized expanding global opportunities for California agriculture, making the CDFA more efficient and competitive. Under her leadership, California was acknowledged for pioneering partnerships in developing food safety quality assurance plans. Additionally, she conducted widespread outreach efforts to increase consumer awareness regarding the significance of agriculture in California.
Veneman, formerly the Deputy Agriculture Secretary for former President Bush and co-chair of his California campaign, has been selected as the Agriculture Secretary in President Bush’s cabinet. Additionally, she has acted as a lobbyist for Dole Corporation and participated as a NAFTA negotiator.
The bibliography citation for “Bush’s Cabinet of Spooks” by Larry Chin includes a link to the website http://www.onlinejournal.com/Special_Reports/Chin122100/chin122100.html. The article was published on December 21, 2000, and updated on January 19, 2001.
Our People – Ann M. Veneman is a Partner at NGKE. Click here to visit Ann M. Veneman’s page. This information was published on January 19, 2001.
