NARCDC Congratulates Colton L. Buckley on Appointment as Chief of USDA NRCS
The National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARCDC) congratulates Colton Buckley on his appointment as Chief of the United States Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
NRCS serves a critical role in supporting farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through voluntary conservation programs, technical assistance, and partnership-driven initiatives that strengthen working lands and natural resources across the country.
Buckley previously served as Chief Executive Officer of NARCDC before joining NRCS leadership, where he served as Chief of Staff and later Associate Chief alongside Chief Aubrey Bettencourt. In those roles, he helped oversee agency operations related to conservation programs, partnerships, management strategy, and technical assistance efforts nationwide.
His appointment highlights the continued importance of locally led conservation and rural community partnerships at the national level.
“Chief Buckley understands the important role that local partnerships and community-based conservation efforts play in supporting rural America,” said William Hodge, President of NARCDC. “NARCDC looks forward to continuing to work with NRCS leadership to support producers, conservation initiatives, and locally driven solutions nationwide.”
NARCDC also extends its appreciation to former NRCS Chief Aubrey Bettencourt for her service and leadership to the agency, conservation partners, and rural communities during her tenure.
For decades, Resource Conservation & Development Councils have worked alongside federal, state, tribal, and local partners to advance conservation, economic development, infrastructure resilience, workforce development, and natural resource stewardship in communities across the United States.
As NRCS enters a new chapter of leadership, NARCDC remains committed to supporting collaborative, locally driven approaches that help strengthen rural communities, support producers, and conserve natural resources for future generations.
About NARCDC
The National Association of Resource Conservation and Development Councils (NARCDC) represents a nationwide network of RC&D Councils dedicated to advancing conservation, economic opportunity, and quality of life through locally led solutions and partnerships.