The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced President Joe Biden appointed Andy Berke to serve as the department's administrator of the Rural Utilities Service.

According to an Oct. 6 news release, Berke has been an advocate for rural communities in the federal, state and local governments. In his most recent position, he served as a special representative for broadband at the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

“Throughout his career, Andy has demonstrated a clear and constant vision to improve the lives of rural Americans,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in the release. “Andy’s advocacy for better services, safer streets and improved infrastructure makes him an inspired choice for the role of Rural Utilities Service administrator. I look forward to his continued leadership at USDA.”

Before working at NTIA, Berke previously held the position of mayor in Chattanooga, Tenn., from 2013 to 2021, according to the release. While holding office, Berke helped develop a program that provided free high-speed internet to families with children that received free or reduced school lunches. He also worked to upgrade aged infrastructure, lower poverty and increase usage of sustainable energy. As mayor, Berke's public service was recognized with numerous honors, including Municipal Leader of the Year by American City and County magazine and City Executive of the Year by State Scoop.

Berke holds a Bachelor of Science from Stanford University and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Chicago Law School, the release reported.