USDA Rural Development State Director Vernita F. Dore today announced that Frederick E. Ducey, III, will serve as Area 5 Director for USDA Rural Development. Area 5 serves the following eight counties: York, Chester, Lancaster, Newberry, Fairfield, Kershaw, Lexington and Richland.
“Mr. Ducey will serve our state well as he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the position. He will be an important advocate on behalf of rural communities throughout Area 5 by helping to administer the valuable programs and services provided by USDA that can enhance their economic success,” said Dore.
Ducey earned a Bachelor of Science in Zoology and a Masters in Agriculture from Clemson University. Ducey began his career with Clemson Extension Service in Beaufort, SC. He began his career with USDA Rural Development (formerly known as the Farmers Home Administration) in 1979 and has worked Darlington County as a County Supervisor, transferred to the Camden Office in 1990, transferred to the State Office in Columbia in 1993 and has worked with Community Programs and Cooperative Business Programs until present.
A native of Ridgeland in Jasper County, Ducey and his wife of 21 years, Tonya Joiner Ducey, currently reside in Columbia. Ducey has 4 children, 3 are married with 7 grandchildren and 1 on the way. Ducey’s youngest child is a Junior in High School.
USDA Rural Development administers and manages more than 40 housing, business, infrastructure and community facilities programs through a network of 6,100 employees in 500 national, state and local offices. Rural Development has an existing portfolio of more than $114 billion in loans and loan guarantees.
More information about USDA Rural Development can be found at www.rurdev.usda.gov.

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