AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Timothy Cleveland spends countless hours inside his office at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the nation’s capital. As he works on key projects and prepares reports, he often glances at a small token that reminds him of his path from Alabama 4-H in Etowah County to Capitol Hill.

“I have a vintage 4-H pin in my office at all times,” said Cleveland. “I think 4-H opened the door for many things in my life. Through 4-H, I found my strengths and learned that you can do anything when you put your mind to it and work hard.”

Appointment to USDA

Timothy Cleveland is now special assistant in Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Service (FNCS), Office of the Secretary (OSEC). He introduced himself after being sworn in by White House Liaison Dominic Restuccia on March 10. (USDA photo by Christophe Paul)

On March 10, the former Alabama 4-H’er was appointed special assistant to the under secretary for Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services within USDA.

“We celebrate Alabama 4-H alum Timothy Cleveland as he takes on this vital role at USDA,” said Nancy Alexander, Alabama Extension specialist for 4-H youth development. “His journey from 4-H meetings to national leadership is a shining example of how 4-H grows true leaders who serve with purpose and passion. We couldn’t be prouder.”

Cleveland’s appointment came just three years after he graduated early from Samford University with a bachelor’s degree in health science.

“It was really the 4-H baking competitions and the 4-H education about healthy eating and creating a balanced diet that inspired me to choose my degree program,” Cleveland said. “As I took on more leadership roles in 4-H, I discovered an interest in research and policies. I found there were things I could do to help the people of Alabama and the entire nation.”

Growing Up in Alabama 4-H

Timothy Cleveland during his time as an Alabama 4-H State Ambassador.

Cleveland has many fond memories of Alabama 4-H since he joined as a Cloverbud, which is designed for five to eight year olds. As part of the Etowah County Homeschool 4-H Club, he learned archery, woodworking and baking. He honed public speaking and persuasive writing skills through competitions. Plus, from 2016 to 2019, Cleveland donned a green jacket when he served as an Alabama 4-H state ambassador.

“That’s really where I grew,” he said. “As ambassadors, we planned events and represented Alabama often. I had incredible mentors, including my 4-H agent Michael Dillon and Alabama Extension Specialist Joy Scott. They gave me confidence when I needed it and knew how to provide valuable feedback that made me a better, more professional person.”

Scott works with a new cohort of Alabama 4-H ambassadors every year. She said Cleveland’s excitement and dedication to 4-H were evident from day one.

“He had so much energy and drive as an ambassador,” Scott said. “Timothy was also eager to learn, which is a great quality for any leader to have. It’s always fun to keep track of our past ambassadors to see where they’ve ended up and how they’re continuing to serve through using their head, heart, hands and health. I’m so proud of Timothy and the work he’s doing now in our nation’s capital.”

Serving on Capitol Hill

As a special assistant, Cleveland is sometimes called to help in various departments. However, his work within Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services often revolves around the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP.

“The SNAP program helps people address their need for food during a period of time for a variety of circumstances,” Cleveland said. “Through this job, it’s an honor to serve not just the people of Alabama, but people all over the country.”

White House Liaison Dominic Restuccia swears in Timothy Cleveland as special assistant in Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Service (FNCS) for the Office of the Secretary (OSEC). The ceremony took place on March 10. (USDA photo by Christophe Paul)

His day to day work involves reading and summarizing information for reports that are passed on to supervisors to help them make more informed decisions.

“It’s a lot of communication skills,” he said. “For me, it wasn’t necessarily a direct path to USDA. I really credit 4-H with opening so many doors that led me here. 4-H opened my eyes to the world of health and how I could help people when they most need it, and now that’s something I get to do every day.”

To learn more about Alabama 4-H, visit alabama4h.com.