Carrie Ricci

About Carrie Ricci

Inspired legal, regulatory, and operations C-suite leader with demonstrated success transforming operations and driving improved customer service metrics. I oversee and guide critical processes to develop and draft policies, regulations, and legislation impacting US government operations globally and nationwide. My greatest skill is developing relationships with decision-makers across US Govt. agencies, House and Senate leadership, and the White House. Successes at USDA and US ARMY include: 🟢 BUSH, OBAMA, TRUMP & BIDEN ADMINISTRATIONS: As General Counsel and Assistant General Counsel of the Army served George W. Bush, Obama, and Biden Administrations. As USDA Associate General Counsel, served Obama and Trump Administrations. 🟢 FORT HOOD INDEPENDENT REVIEW COMMITTEE, 2020: Appointed by Ryan D. McCarthy (Trump Administration) to serve on committee as “highly qualified expert (HQE).” Testified before Personnel Subcommittee of House Armed Services Committee to present findings (Dec 2020 & Aug 2021). Awarded “Distinguished Civilian Service Medal” for work. 🟢 ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE OF UNITED STATES (ACUS): Appointed by USDA Secretary to ACUS; served 9 years on regulations committee. 🟢 ASSISTANCE TO SECRETARY & CONGRESS (USDA): Provided review, drafting, and technical assistance for bills and amendments for Secretary, members of Congress, congressional committees, and USDA agencies. 🟢 SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE (SASC)(ARMY): Appeared before SASC Personnel Subcommittee to testify on Public Integrity and Anti-Corruption laws of the DoD, informing committee on practical implications of legislation under consideration. 🟢 DISPUTE RESOLUTION PROGRAM (ARMY): Team effort to revamp Alternate Dispute Resolution program, increasing number of disputes settled 2X in 12 months - cutting costs significantly. 🟢 VIRTUAL ENFORCEMENT HEARINGS (USDA): Developed procedures allowing fully virtual enforcement hearings before USDA administrative law judges. In first year, increased resolution of administrative enforcement cases by 2X, eliminating COVID logjam. 🟢 HOUSE AGRICULTURE COMMITTEE, 2018 AG BILL (USDA): Participated in information gathering sessions and provided legal expertise to help craft 2018 Farm bill legislative language (especially Domestic Hemp Production Program). Supported USDA desk for last-minute language changes, ensuring ability of USDA to implement and manage programs successfully.

Experience

1. Associate Gen Counsel, General Law (Ses-2), Office of General Counsel (Ogc)

   Usda

   Jan 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Appointed to lead 20 direct reports supporting Undersecretary for Research, Education, & Economics (REE) on food, agriculture, rural development, nutrition, and related issues. Provide counsel on various matters, including intellectual property, contracts, government appropriations, cooperative agreements, loans and grants, FOIA, tort claims, and national security issues.AGENCY LEADERSHIP: Oversee legal work and litigation arising under statutes and regulations that apply generally to all agencies of the federal government. Review/approve complex documents such as contracts, leases, and cooperative agreements. Coordinate with attorneys from other OGC divisions and DOJ to present USDA\'s position on appeals. REDUCTION IN FORCE (RIF) PLAN: Assist in gathering data from all USDA agencies to develop plan eliminating duplicative efforts and organizations to restructure department.COMPLIANCE WITH EXECUTIVE ORDERS ($10B in cuts): Supervised effort to assist Office of Chief Financial Officer in determining changes in contracts, grants, and cooperative agreements to comply with recent Trump Administration executive orders.

Education

• The George Washington University Law School

  LL.M

• The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School

  Masters of Law - LL.M

• Georgetown University

  BSBA

• University of Maryland School of Law

  Juris Doctor