KANSAS CITY, Kan., – Thursday, Environmental Protection Agency Region 7 Administrator Karl Brooks announced the selection of Ellsworth native Josh Svaty, who just served as secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, to be his senior adviser.

"I look forward to working closely with Josh on the range of urgent environmental issues we face," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.

"His varied experiences representing a rural district in the legislature and handling complex agricultural issues as an appointed administrator make Josh a great fit for Region 7," Brooks said. "As the EPA’s most agriculturally productive region, the heartland will benefit from his practical knowledge and proven track record in working with different interests."

As secretary of the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Svaty managed a $27 million budget, a 380 employee workforce and statutory duties for 17 programs.

He is the fifth-generation of his family to farm in Ellsworth County. The Svaty farm is a diversified operation that includes wheat, milo, soybeans, corn, sunflowers, a cow/calf herd and sheep. Svaty served as the state representative of the 108th District in Kan., for seven years. His committee assignments included the committees for Energy and Utilities, Agriculture and Natural Resources and the joint committee on Energy and Environmental Policy. Svaty has testified before the U.S. Congress on agriculture, energy and water policy issues. He holds a B.A. from Sterling College in Sterling.

This region encompasses Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and nine tribal nations.