Valencia Winstead became the Director of the Design and Construction Division (DCD) on July 23, 2007. As the Director, Ms. Winstead is directly responsible for providing oversight and design of USDA’s major construction, modernization, repair, and alterations initiatives for the USDA Headquarters Complex as well as the George Washington Carver Center in Beltsville, Maryland. In addition, she directs the Departmental Space Management Program, including assignments, relocations, and leasing for the USDA locations within the Washington Area National Capital Region.

Prior to joining the Office of Operations, Ms. Winstead served as the Agricultural Research Service’s (ARS) Deputy Director for Design and Construction. There she was responsible for managing ARS’ nationwide multi-million dollar building and facilities program. She had management oversight of the engineering and contract management functional areas overseeing the delivery of new construction and renovated ARS facilities as well as a new construction project for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

From 1980-1987, Ms. Winstead worked for the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers in Savannah Georgia and Monterey California as an architect, estimator, and quality assurance specialist for military construction projects.

In 1987, Ms. Winstead joined USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Facilities Division as an Engineering Project Manager, responsible for the design and construction of new and renovated research facilities. Shortly thereafter, she became the Branch Chief, expanding her responsibilities within ARS, including a highly visible design and construction project in Montpelier France.

Ms. Winstead has a B.S. Degree in Architectural Engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC.