Keith Gray, an Alabama native, is the new associate administrator of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Risk Management Agency (RMA). The position is the highest career-ranking position within the agency.

Gray, who served as RMA chief of staff since 2018, began his new position Jan. 17. He said he’s excited about his role in the agency, where he also serves as manager of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation in the absence of the administrator. 

“I am looking forward to serving as associate administrator and continuing to serve America’s farmers and ranchers,” said Gray, who grew up in Tallassee. “I have worked with USDA in various capacities over the past several decades, and I am glad to continue working with the RMA.”

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said American farmers are fortunate to have Gray in this position.

“The federal crop insurance program is vital to American farmers, and it is critical to keeping the food supply and economy stable in the U.S.,” Parnell said. “Keith’s knowledge and experience are invaluable to USDA. He also understands the decisions made by that agency affect the livelihood of farmers.”

The new RMA administrator will be appointed by the Biden administration.

RMA manages America’s $115 billion Federal Crop Insurance Corporation to provide crop insurance products to America’s farmers and ranchers. Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) sell and service federal crop insurance policies through a public-private partnership with RMA. The agency backs AIPs who share risks associated with catastrophic losses due to major weather events.

Gray has extensive political experience and served as National Affairs director for the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. He is a former legislative assistant for then-U.S. Rep. Terry Everett, R-Ala., who served on the House Agriculture Committee.

Gray previously was president of Gray Matter Consulting, a grants and government relations consulting company, for eight years. He graduated from the University of Alabama with a B.A. in political science and a master’s in public administration. He also is a graduate of George Mason School of Law in Arlington, Virginia.

He is an active volunteer for the Boy Scouts of America’s National Capital Area Council where he serves as area vice president and is a member of the executive board. He and wife Nicole live in Alexandria, Virginia, and have two children.