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Blunt picks woman to lead agriculture department

St. Louis Public Radio
Published May 2, 2007 at 10:17 a.m. CDT
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By AP/KWMU

Jefferson City, Mo. – Governor Matt Blunt has selected a 29-year-old woman to lead the state agriculture department

Blunt named Katie Smith of Platte City as the new director. The former director, 66-year-old Fred Ferrell, was forced to resign after an employee accused him of sexual harassment and refusing to promote her because she's a woman.

Smith most recently worked in the federal Energy Department. She also has worked for Republican Senators Kit Bond and Jim Talent.

She grew up on a Platte County farm that raised corn, soybeans, tobacco and cattle.

Blunt says he interviewed both men and women and found Smith was best qualified.

If confirmed by the Senate, she would be the first woman to ever lead the state Agriculture Department.

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