Washington, July 18, 2007 – Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns today announced the appointment of Charles R. Christopherson, Jr. as the USDA Chief Information Officer (CIO). Christopherson currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Department of Agriculture, a role which he will retain. As CIO, Christopherson will be responsible for the effective implementation and management of technology solutions to support USDA's programs in a cost-effective and citizen-centered manner.

"Chuck Christopherson has been an integral part of the USDA team in his role as the CFO and has demonstrated a "get-it-done and get-it-done-right" attitude," Johanns said. "His ability to develop strong leadership teams and his private sector executive management responsibilities in the communications and technology industries will serve him well as he takes on this additional role."

Christopherson was confirmed as the USDA Chief Financial Officer by the Senate on November 10, 2005. The CIO role does not require Senate confirmation. He is responsible for overseeing financial management activities and systems within the department. Christopherson has successfully led several joint initiatives between the Offices of the CFO and CIO. Christopherson will be supported by Patricia Healy, the Deputy CFO, and Jerry E. Williams, the Deputy CIO.

"I appreciate the opportunity to serve the President and the Secretary in this capacity" Christopherson said. "We will continue to focus our efforts on protecting the sensitive data held by USDA; improving our IT systems security; providing better technology to the USDA programs that serve our citizens; and leveraging the synergies of the Offices of the CFO and CIO. My goal is to provide USDA with a more focused effort to ensure both our financial and non-financial systems and business processes are helping our agencies to achieve their missions."

Christopherson earned a Bachelors degree in Accounting from the Marriott School of Management at Brigham Young University, a Master's degree in Business Administration from Oregon Executive MBA program, and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Washington.