Governor Maura Healey's administration has tapped South Deerfield native Ashley Randle as the new Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources commissioner.
As we build our leadership teams in the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, I’m glad Ashley is joining the Healey-Driscoll Administration,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Having been raised on a dairy farm, Ashley deeply understands and appreciates the agricultural industry. Her experience will be critical to guiding agricultural policy for our state, supporting our farmers and fisheries, and promoting access to nutritious foods in every community.”
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue my service to the Commonwealth as a member of the Healey-Driscoll Administration,” added Randle. “We will continue to work to ensure a safe and secure food supply while building a more equitable, robust, and resilient local food system. Agriculture has laid the foundation for my career, and I have a deep appreciation for the dedicated members of our Massachusetts agricultural sector. It’s truly a privilege to work with our MDAR team, farmers, fishers, and stakeholders in this new role.”
Randle, currently the deputy commissioner, will become the first woman to lead the department. She was born and raised on her family's fifth-generation dairy farm and now resides in Sterling with her husband.
Randle will officially be promoted on March 6th.
(Photo Credit: Massachusetts Agriculture Department)