Neal Robbins is the Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he helps lead the mission to strengthen the economy and improve the quality of life in rural America. In this role, he provides leadership across a portfolio of over 80 loan, grant, and technical assistance programs supporting rural housing, utilities, infrastructure investment, broadband, community facilities, and business development.

Prior to joining the Trump Administration, Neal founded and served as publisher of the North State Journal, North Carolina’s only statewide newspaper, where he built a network of local and regional publications dedicated to strengthening journalism in rural areas and improving access to quality news coverage across the state. As an attorney, Neal has advised clients and policymakers on complex legal, regulatory, and administrative issues in both private practice and government service. As an engineer, he has focused on manufacturing process efficiency and chemical processes.

Neal is a graduate of N.C. State University, a land-grant university, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering after receiving the Park Scholarship. He also holds a law degree and MBA from Wake Forest University.

His upbringing in rural North Carolina, training as an engineer and attorney, and experience in both public and private sectors give him a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing rural America.