**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FOR INFORMATION CONTACT:**

Tammi Schone - (605) 352-1102

# KAY DAUGHERTY RECOGNIZED FOR 15 YEARS OF FEDERAL SERVICE *[Flexible, Friendly Work Force at USDA Rural Development]{.underline}*

**(Huron, South Dakota -- January 16, 2007)** Tim B. Potts, USDA Rural
Development South Dakota Acting State Director recognized Kay Daugherty
for 15 years of dedicated service to USDA Rural Development. Daugherty
joined Rural Development in 1991.

"Kay is a role model for honesty and integrity in the delivery of the
administrative programs ensuring that all employees are treated fair and
equitable in accordance with the equal employment and civil rights
policies. Her positive attitude has been beneficial in the delivery of
outstanding performance in all assignments," Potts said.

Daugherty is currently the Administrative Program Director for USDA
Rural Development and stationed in the Huron State Office. "Working for
USDA Rural Development has been a learning experience for me. I have
worked my way up the corporate ladder starting out as a temporary clerk,
working and gaining valuable knowledge through other positions including
automation clerk, computer assistant, computer specialist, information
resource manager, and management analyst, which all have prepared me for
the leadership position I now hold as Administrative Program Director,"
said Daugherty.

The biggest change Kay has noticed throughout her career is going from
an antiquated operation with typewriters and carbon copying documents to
the virtual instant information technology phase of instant email
messaging, fill able forms, and greater response times in communicating
information. She also believes strongly in the agency's vision -- "A
rural America that is healthy, safe, and prosperous place to live and
work" and mission -- "To increase economic opportunity and improve the
quality of life for all rural Americans". Daugherty commented, "A
government career can be very rewarding if one strives to do their best.
It takes hard work, dedication and a love for the job."

Kay's present position oversees the budget, human resources, training,
and leasing divisions. In addition, she provides supervision to three
full-time employees and three part-time employees. "My greatest career
achievement has been providing training opportunities to a multi-sate
area including Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North Dakota and Wyoming. It
is a great opportunity to share resources and network with others," said
Daugherty.

Kay was born and raised in South Dakota, grew up in a family of eleven,
and resides in Huron with her husband Kelly who owns and operates the
Farmers Cashway Do It Center a family Home Center lumberyard in town.
She graduated from Northern State University majoring in Business
Administration with a minor in computer science and received her Masters
degree in Business Administration and Management from Colorado Technical
Institute. In her free time, she enjoys down hill skiing, golf, and
Taekwondo. She also serves on the Board of Director for the MO Federal
Credit Union and is a novelty co-chairman for the Yelduz Shrine circus
held in April.

USDA Rural Development's mission is to deliver programs in a way that
will support increasing economic opportunity and improve the quality of
life of rural residents. As a venture capital entity, Rural Development
provides equity and technical assistance to finance and foster growth in
homeownership, business development, and critical community and
technology infrastructure. Further information on rural programs is
available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA's
web site at [http://www.rurdev.usda.gov](http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/).

**- USDA -**