Vilsack to tap Philbrook for USDA deputy post

Since 1994, nominee has been president and CEO of Global Volunteers.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is expected to announce Friday he has chosen Burnham John (Bud) Philbrook to be Agriculture deputy undersecretary for farm and foreign agricultural services in charge of international affairs.

Since 1994, Philbrook has been president and CEO of Global Volunteers, an organization that sends Americans on volunteer vacations on American Indian reservations and 21 countries overseas.

The Minnesota native also practiced law, served in the state House and worked as assistant commissioner in the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. As deputy undersecretary, Philbrook will oversee USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service, and cover trade and food aid issues.

He will report to Jim Miller, the USDA undersecretary for farm and foreign agricultural services.