Office of the Executive Secretariat

Overview

The Office of the Executive Secretariat (OES) manages the correspondence, documents, and records of the Secretary of Agriculture. OES is a valuable resource not just for the Secretary and immediate staff, but for the whole Department.

As part of Departmental Management, we ensure that all USDA officials are included in the process of drafting documents for the Secretary through a managed system of reviews and clearances. This includes reviewing incoming letters, emails, and faxes from the public, members of Congress, Governors, other Federal officials, and everyone else who writes the Secretary. We then work together with other agencies to respond in an appropriate and timely manner.

Additionally, we ensure that Federal Register notices, memorandums, reports, and all other documents prepared for the Secretary are fully vetted and prepared correctly for him to review and sign. Keeping other officials informed of these documents improves the Secretary's ability to review sound and thought-out recommendations before making final decisions.

Lastly, OES collects and maintains the official records of the Office of the Secretary of Agriculture. These records are a valuable resource and serve as the historical evidence of the Department's organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, and operations.

OES’ Primary Functions

• Review incoming correspondence addressed to the Secretary and enter into a database to initiate the clearance and control process
• Ensure agencies review and respond to correspondence, or prepare responses for the Secretary, in an appropriate and timely manner
• Maintain and archive the official records of the Secretary
• Provide assistance to the Secretary in coordinating cross-cutting Departmental initiatives

OES is led by our Acting Director Bobbi Jeanquart and Deputy Director David Aten.