Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

A group of people in a high tunnel.

Massachusetts and Rhode Island Civil Rights Committee

Welcome to the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Civil Rights Committee page.

In Massachusetts and Rhode Island, NRCS staff works closely with other USDA Agencies (Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development) to provide equitable service to all customers and potential customers, and to provide equal opportunities for all employees and potential employees.

Committee members and the Special Emphasis Program Managers help ensure that Federal agencies institute, plan, and take affirmative steps to provide equal opportunity to women and minority applicants and employees in all areas of employment (recruitment, hiring, training, promotions, and awards); and provide a means for women and minorities to communicate their concerns to management.

MA-RI Civil Rights Committee Members

Deputy Equal Opportunity Officers
Name Position Phone Number Email
Dan Wright
State Conservationist - Massachusetts
(413) 253-4350
Phoukham (Pooh) Vongkhamdy
State Conservationist - Rhode Island
(401) 828-1300
Advisors
Name Position Phone Number Email
Lisa Gustafson (2/2020)
Assistant State Conservationist for Management & Strategy - Massachusetts
(413) 253-4388
Walter Marshall (10/2016)
Assistant State Conservationist for Management & Strategy - Rhode Island
(401) 822-8816
Chairperson
Name Position Phone Number Email
Maggie Payne (6/2020)
Soil Scientist
(774) 678-7231
Black Emphasis Program Manager
Name Position Phone Number Email
Timothy A. Ulmschneider
Soil Conservationist - Eastern Rhode Island
(401) 822-8808
Asian American/Pacific Islander Emphasis Program Manager
Name Position Phone Number Email
vacant
Disability/Veterans Emphasis Program Manager
Name Position Phone Number Email
Bill Breed (6/2017)
Soil Conservationist
(413) 772-0384, ext. 104
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Emphasis Program Manager
Name Position Phone Number Email
Rose Schwartz
Soil Conservationist
(413) 223-9270
Hispanic Emphasis Program Manager
Name Position Phone Number Email
Kate Bousquet
Program Manager
(401) 822-8814
American Indian/Alaska Native Emphasis Program Manager
Name Position Phone Number Email
Cassius Spears (2/2012)
District Conservationist
(401) 822-8833
Federal Women's Program Manager
Name Position Phone Number Email
Michelle Cozine
Biologist
(413) 923-3226
At-Large Members
Name Position Phone Number Email
Kristina Wiley (7/2013)
Senior Writer-Editor
(413) 253-4383
Ghyllian Conley (2/2015)
Soil Conservationist
(401) 822-8835