James R. Newby
Assistant Administrator
Electric Programs

James R. Newby was selected as the Assistant Administrator for the Electric Programs on September 8, 2004. Mr. Newby is responsible for directing and coordinating the activities pertaining to the rural electric loan and grant programs.

Mr. Newby's tenure with the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) began in 1980 as a Program Analyst with the USDA Office of Budget and Program Analysis. His area of responsibility included the rural development programs of USDA. During the mid 1980's, he served a 2-year detail to the House Appropriations Sub-Committee on Agriculture and Related Agencies. Returning to USDA, Mr. Newby served as an advisor to the Office of the Under Secretary for Rural Development.

In 1994, Mr. Newby was selected as the Chief Budget Officer for the Rural Development Mission Area which includes the Rural Housing Service and the Rural Business Service, in addition to the Rural Utilities Service. In 1999, he was selected as the Senior Policy Advisor to the Under Secretary for Rural Development and in 2000 was named Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development. In 2003, Mr. Newby returned to USDA to manage a project for the Office of the Secretary.

Mr. Newby holds a Masters of Arts in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma.

A native of Oklahoma, Mr. Newby grew up on a farm served by the Rural Electric Cooperative based in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Mr. Newby and wife, Gladys, now reside in Alexandria, Virginia.