By Marlee Jackson
(334) 613-4219

Twinkle Cavanaugh is Alabama’s new state director for Rural Development, following an appointment by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. 

An agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development invests in communities through loans, grants and other resources to improve rural economies and Americans’ quality of life.

Cavanaugh is a devoted public servant, having spent 14 years at the helm of Alabama’s Public Service Commission (PSC). As PSC president, Cavanaugh advocated for state and federal energy policies to ensure reliable, affordable utilities for Alabamians. She especially concentrated on slashing government waste and overregulation, returning hundreds of millions of dollars to Alabama consumers.

Before her tenure with PSC, Cavanaugh was the first female elected chair of the Alabama Republican Party.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Cavanaugh’s proven track record of sensible spending and common-sense government will serve the state well.

“Twinkle Cavanaugh is the kind of person we need at Rural Development,” Parnell said. “Her greatest asset is her strong network among real people — both individuals and businesses — and her ability to leverage relationships to get things done. We look forward to continuing our work together.”

Cavanaugh and her husband, Jeff, a veterinarian, have three children and two grandchildren. They are active members at First Baptist Church of Montgomery and are involved in numerous community initiatives.