David O. Black became Deputy Director of Communications on September 26, 2010. In this capacity he oversees all of the creative development units within the Office of Communications (OC). Mr. Black began his federal career with USDA in 1992 after a decade in the private sector. Mr. Black started as a video producer/director for the USDA Video, Teleconference and Radio Center, becoming the Production Manager in 1995 and eventually the Director of the Broadcast Media & Technology Center (BMTC) in 2001.
Over the years with USDA, Mr. Black, along with managing the staff, resources and budget of BMTC, produced and directed numerous award winning documentaries, informational videos, television feature stories and public service announcements for USDA and other federal agencies. His stories covered rural America, farmers, ranchers, Native Americans, nutrition, the environment, consumers, education, science and trade. His travels have taken him to all 50 states and across the world from Africa to Afghanistan.
Mr. Black was born on the small Caribbean island nation of Jamaica. After graduating high school he worked for two years for the Jamaican Government helping to produce television and radio programs to promote adult literacy, especially to rural communities. He came to the United States to attend college, graduating with honors with a degree in communication arts, specializing in radio, television and film.
He resides in Fairfax, Virginia with his wife Sandy and has a son, Jason, who is a psychologist working in Wilmington, NC.
