WaterPro Conference 2026

Michele Brooks
Assistant Administrator
Water and Environmental Programs


Michele Brooks was appointed Assistant Administrator for USDA Rural Development’s (RD) Rural Utilities Service (RUS) Water and Environmental Programs (WEP) on January 29, 2024. This Rural Development program provides technical assistance and financing which enable rural communities to develop water and wastewater systems that are necessary for public health and the economic vitality of rural America. These programs are the only federal programs focused exclusively on the water and wastewater infrastructure needs of rural communities with populations of 10,000 or less. Ms. Brooks brings to this position over three decades of passion in serving rural Americans and an extensive knowledge of vital issues facing rural Americans. Prior to her appointment as Assistant Administrator, Ms. Brooks served as the Director of the RD Innovation Center Regulations Management Division. Under her leadership, she provided a strategic focus on the implementation of rural policies and regulatory activities. She improved RD’s customer experience and program delivery and led the OneRD Guarantee Initiative to standardize and transform RD’s commercial loan guarantees. Ms. Brooks is also no stranger to the Rural Utilities Service (RUS). Her depth of knowledge of the RUS programs and history stems from having served as the agency’s Chief of Staff as well as its Director of Program Development and Regulatory Analysis. Ms. Brooks has a personal first-hand knowledge of rural America having grown up in Virgina and spending significant time with family in rural West Virginia. She currently resides in Virginia with her husband and two dogs and enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.

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