Obama appoints Indian Americans to key administration posts

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US President Barack Obama has announced the appointment of two eminent Indian Americans -- Paula Gangopadhyay and Sonny Ramaswamy -- to key posts in the administration.

While Gangopadhyay has been nominated member of the prestigious National Museum and Library Services Board, Ramaswamy has been appointed director, National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) in US Department of Agriculture, the White House said, as it announced about half a dozen new nominations.

"These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience and talent to their new roles and I am proud to have them serve in this administration. I look forward to working with them in the months and years to come," Obama said in a statement.

Gangopadhyay is currently the Chief Learning Officer at the Henry Ford, where she is responsible for leadership, strategy, and education.

She has held a variety of positions in education and arts policy, including Executive Director of the Plymouth Community Arts Council from 2006 to 2008; Curator of Education, Public Programs, Visitor Services and Volunteers at the Public Museum of Grand Rapids from 2002 to 2006; and Executive Director of the Great Lakes Center for Education, Research and Practice from 2000 to 2001.

Ramaswamy is Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University and Director of the Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station. His appointment was welcomed by US Agriculture Secretary, Tom Vilsack.

"I welcome the President's intent to appoint Dr Ramaswamy, a man with a distinguished career as a scientist, professor and leader within higher education, and someone who will surely help to position NIFA as a modern and efficient service organisation that is closely in tune with the long-term vitality of the food and agricultural sciences."

Ramaswamy has been Associate Dean of the Purdue University College of Agriculture and directed the university's agricultural research programs from 2006 to 2009.

He is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Entomological Society of America.

Vilsack said NIFA's work to coordinate federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs in the service of US agriculture is critical to sustaining the important gains made by US agriculture.

"By investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future... NIFA's work has proven integral to the health and security of all Americans. And I am confident that Dr Ramaswamy will uphold this vital mission," he said.