Steve Connelly is the deputy administrator for field operations (DAFO) for USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). As deputy administrator, Connelly is responsible for developing and implementing personnel policies and operating guidelines for state and field FSA employees.

Prior to this position, Connelly served as FSA's assistant deputy administrator for farm programs. In that capacity, he advised the deputy administrator for farm Programs and the FSA administrator on farm programs and policies. He worked with various agency staff on commodity price support activities, conservation and environmental programs, and emergency assistance efforts, such as the Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program and county disaster declarations. Additionally, Connelly provided focus and direction for programs and policy guidance to the farm program management team and county employees.

From 1999 to 2001, Connelly was the Maryland state executive director (SED) for FSA. As SED, he oversaw FSA programs in both the state office and in 23 counties throughout Maryland, and promoted agency programs to producers and various agricultural groups. Before joining USDA, Connelly served six years as the executive director of the Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, a nonprofit organization. While executive director, Connelly directed fundraising activities, managed grants, and assisted in educational and promotional plans and activities for the foundation, including Maryland's "Ag in the Classroom" program. He also acted as liaison to state government and agricultural organizations, and was instrumental in getting the Maryland Ag Tag specialty license plate authorized. The specialty plate added additional funding for ag education while honoring agriculture's contribution to Maryland.

From 1987 to 1995, Connelly was director of intergovernmental relations for the Maryland Department of Agriculture. As director, he served as the department's legislative liaison to the Maryland General Assembly and the U.S. Congress, and represented the secretary of agriculture on various commissions, committees, and task forces. From 1985 to 1987, Connelly served as a field man assisting county Farm Bureaus' on delivery of member services, information delivery and membership drives. Connelly also worked as an assistant director of Public Affairs during this time where he assisted the state lobbyist advocating for Maryland agriculture at the General Assembly in Annapolis, MD.

Originally from Rising Sun, Maryland, Connelly was raised on a family farm that milked 300 head of dairy cattle. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agriculture from the University of Maryland in College Park, Maryland.

Connelly, his wife, and three children reside in Rising Sun, Maryland.