The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has recently announced Maria Ramsey as the newly appointed Assistant Commissioner for Public Affairs. Agriculture Commissioner Andy Holt highlighted Ramsey's extensive background, stating, "Maria brings a unique blend of communication and policy experience, and a deep passion for agricultural education and workforce development," according to an announcement on the TDA's website.
A key part of her new role involves overseeing both internal and external communications. Ramsey will lead the department’s efforts to engage with the public, stakeholders, and industry partners. "It is an honor to serve the citizens of Tennessee in this capacity," Ramsey told TDA. She will direct the Public Affairs office, managing media relations, and supporting programs that promote Tennessee’s agricultural story statewide and even further.
Ramsey's experience in the field of agriculture and communication is extensive. Prior to stepping into her role at the TDA, she served as a coordinator for Public Policy and Government Relations at Merck Animal Health. At Merck, she was pivotal in advancing future talent development programs and communication initiatives directed at the North America Public Policy team. Her career also included a tenure as manager of the NASDA Foundation, where she managed workforce development programs, grants, and partnerships which all aimed to bolster the next generation's agricultural leaders.
Rooted in urban landscapes, Ramsey's connection to agriculture sprouted in a place predicated on skyscrapers and subways. While in New York City, she joined the area’s sole FFA chapter as a high school student, "Agriculture is built on resilience and a commitment to future generations, qualities that exemplify Tennessee’s producers," said Ramsey, her work has flourished back to the youth as a member of the New York FFA Association’s Give FFA Day Committee, still contributing to the educational bedrock from where she began.
Born in Queens, New York, her academic strides have earned her a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Kansas State University, followed by a master’s in agricultural and environmental education from the University of Georgia, focusing on agricultural communication. Currently a doctoral candidate in agricultural leadership, education, and communication at the University of Georgia, Ramsey is not just dedicated to her field, but also to furthering knowledge within it, focusing her research on science communication and fulfilling the role of graduate research and teaching assistant. Alongside her academic and professional pursuits, she finds solace in spending time with her husband, Blake, and their two rescue dogs, Georgia and Texas.
