She owns and operates cattle ranch in Southern Colorado

DENVER – President Joe Biden on May 29 announced the appointment of Crestina Martinez as the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development State Director in Colorado.

"I am thrilled to begin this journey as the Colorado State Director, filled with excitement, optimism, and a steadfast dedication to serving the rural communities of Colorado. USDA Rural Development boasts a statewide presence with seven offices, a robust legacy of investment, and a talented team. Together, under the Biden-Harris Administration, we will tirelessly strive to expand economic opportunities, bolster infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for all rural Coloradans," said Martinez.

Martinez owns and operates a small cattle ranch in Southern Colorado and holds a bachelor’s in Sociology and Spanish from Colorado College and certificates from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government and the University of Denver’s Daniels College of Business.

Martinez previously served as Director of Strategic Outreach and Advocacy at Xcel Energy where she developed and implemented strategic outreach and advocacy initiatives centered on environmental justice, energy equity, and Tribal relations.

Martinez also has experience as Adams County Director of Long-Term Recovery and Major Initiatives where she led the development of strategies for equitable economic and health recoveries from COVID-19 and as Chief of Staff in the Office of the Colorado Lieutenant Governor where she led policy and legislative strategies, stakeholder outreach, and constituent services.

Before that, Martinez also served as Regional Manager in the Colorado Department of Local Affairs where she managed local government operations emphasizing rural community and economic development and served as a Costilla County Commissioner.

RD State Directors serve as the chief executive officer of Rural Development in the states and territories and are tasked with carrying out the mission of rural development to the benefit of everyone in rural America. In conjunction with the guidance and support of the National Office, State Directors are responsible for promoting the mission and strategic goals of Rural Development and provide key leadership to develop and support a productive, diverse, and inclusive state workforce.

Under the Biden-Harris Administration, USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Americans in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural, tribal and high-poverty areas. For more information, visit www.rd.usda.gov/co.