OSU alumnus Marty Matlock will serve as the USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs senior advisor for food systems resiliency. (Photo provided)

USDA names OSU alumnus Matlock senior advisor

Friday, August 27, 2021

Media Contact: Brian Brus | Agricultural Communications Services | 405-744-6792 | BBrus@okstate.edu

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently named Oklahoma State University graduate Marty Matlock to a key position in the USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs.

Matlock, who received his doctorate in biosystems engineering and masters in botany at OSU, will serve as senior advisor for food systems resiliency.

Matlock is a member of the Cherokee Nation, and his placement in the USDA program speaks to the value of his work, said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.

“Marty Matlock served on our Environmental Protection Commission for over a decade overseeing the Cherokee Nation’s environmental programs, and his wealth of expertise in agriculture and food sustainability will be an immeasurable resource for the USDA,” Hoskin said. “Also, anytime our top federal government agencies add leaders who are tribal citizens or bring a tribal perspective to shape decisions and policies, it advances all of Indian Country.”

The hard work, dedication and passion Matlock has demonstrated throughout his academic and professional careers will be valuable assets to his new responsibilities and the country, said Mari Chinn, department head of biosystems and agricultural engineering at OSU.

“For someone to represent our discipline as an OSU alum at that level is an honor. His diversity in background and experience will undoubtedly add value to the USDA team and its leadership,” Chinn said.

Matlock was founding executive director of the University of Arkansas Resiliency Center and is a professor in the U.S. Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering. He received the 2018 CAST-Borlaug Agriculture Communications Award, and he served on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Science Advisory Committee for Agriculture as well as the USDA Advisory Committee on Biotechnology and 21st Century Agriculture.

“USDA continues to add talented individuals to our growing team, and this outstanding slate of leaders is no exception,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said of Matlock’s placement. “They each will play an essential role in ensuring all aspects of the department continue to function at the highest levels and that we are able to effectively serve all Americans.”