USDA Announces Retirement Of Chief Information Officer Dave Combs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the retirement of Chief Information Officer Dave Combs. Combs plans to retire on June 30 and return to his home state of North Carolina.

“Dave Combs has been a dedicated public servant at USDA for the past five years and I am grateful for his leadership throughout his tenure,” said Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns. “His work to improve information technology security and expand electronic government has enhanced USDA’s service to our employees and stakeholders. He will be greatly missed and we wish him the best in his future endeavors.”


Combs began his career at USDA in 2002 as Special Assistant to the Administrator of the Rural Utilities Service. In 2005, he started his tenure as Chief Information Officer, where he worked to enhance collaboration between USDA agencies through the USDA Chief Information Officers Council and assisted with USDA human pandemic planning.


Jerry E. Williams, USDA’s Deputy Chief Information Officer, will serve as Acting Chief Information Officer until a Chief Information Officer is appointed.