WASHINGTON — Stephen L. Censky has been nominated by President Donald Trump to become deputy secretary of agriculture.
Censky is the American Soybean Association’s chief executive officer. He is in charge of managing ASA’s legislative, trade policy, international market development, communications and leadership development programs.
Prior to joining ASA, Censky worked in Washington, D.C., for over a decade. He began his career on Capitol Hill as a legislative assistant for agricultural and transportation matters to Sen. Jim Abdnor (R-S.D.).
He later served in both the Reagan and George H.W. Bush administrations at USDA helping to draft the 1990 Farm Bill. He also served as administrator of the Foreign Agricultural Service.
Censky received a bachelor of science degree in agriculture from South Dakota State University and a postgraduate diploma in agriculture studies from the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue said in a statement, “Our work has only just begun in delivering results for the people of American agriculture, and the experience and leadership skills of Stephen Censky will only enhance our efforts. He will bring enthusiasm and a dedication to this country which will be great assets to USDA’s customers. I am extremely pleased with the nomination for this key position and am hopeful that the Senate will take it up in short order.”
Censky grew up on a soybean, corn and diversified livestock farm near Jackson, Minn. He and his wife Carmen live in suburban St. Louis, Mo., and have two daughters who are both in college.
