Jonathan P. Claffey, Deputy Assistant Administrator, US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
As deputy assistant administrator, Jonathan Claffey is responsible for directing and coordinating the agency's rural telecommunications, broadband, distance learning and telemedicine loan and grants programs. This includes the development and implementation of policy and procedures for processing and approving loans and grants that provide advanced telecommunications services in rural America. He has been with USDA Rural Development for 20 years, beginning his career as a loan specialist and financial analyst. He became deputy assistant administrator for telecommunications in 1998. He is a graduate of the University of South Carolina where he received a BS degree in finance and management.