LANSING — Today, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Director Gary McDowell announced the selection of Ashley Steffen as the department’s legislative liaison, effective Monday, April 5. Steffen replaces Nathan Kark who resigned to take a position within the private sector.

“Ashley’s legislative and government affairs experience will allow her to hit the ground running on key departmental issues such as investing in our rural communities, food and animal health and growing our food and ag-based businesses,” said McDowell.

Steffen previously worked for the Michigan House Democratic Policy Office covering the Agriculture Committee and the Commerce and Tourism Committee, as well as the Appropriation Sub-committees on Agriculture, Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Affairs.

Prior to her work as a policy advisor, Steffen served as a Government Affairs and Communication Associate with Disability Rights Michigan, as well as a writer for the Michigan House Democrats.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Master of Public Policy both from Michigan State University.

A proud Yooper, Ashley now lives in Lansing with her rescue dog, Griswold, and volunteers as a foster for the Capital Area Humane Society.