Cody Simpson

About Cody Simpson

W.R. “Cody” Simpson, was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to serve as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in South Carolina in May 2025.Prior to his appointment, Simpson served as agriculture advisor and chief executive assistant to South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster. He also served as a member of the National Governors Association’s Land Management, Agriculture, Wildlife, and Rural Communities Advisory Network, on the S.C. Forest Recovery Task Force, the Pee Dee Forestry Commission, and is a major in the S.C. State Guard.He actively promotes sustainable agricultural practices as a member of the Richland County Farm Bureau. He also supports wetland conservation through Ducks Unlimited and collaborates with the Pee Dee Land Trust to safeguard natural habitats.Simpson earned both an undergraduate degree and graduate degree in business administration from Francis Marion University, where he was a two-term student body president and governor of the South Carolina Student Legislature.His service and dedication to the Palmetto State earned him two resolutions from the South Carolina State Senate and several prestigious honors, including the Legacy Award and the Dr. Neal Thigpen Award in South Carolina Politics. Most recently, Simpson was recognized with the Francis Marion University Benjamin Ingram Wall Young Alumni Award.A fifth-generation farmer, Simpson was mentored by his grandfather and father on his family’s South Carolina Century Farm in the Home Branch Community of Clarendon County. Raising livestock, planting row crops, and managing farm finances taught him the value of hard work and provided firsthand knowledge and understanding of the agriculture industry.Simpson’s lifelong involvement in 4-H, Leadership Florence, and the Junior Leadership Florence County 4-H Program played a significant role in strengthening his passion for South Carolina agribusiness.Simpson enjoys spending time with his golden retriever, Manning, and is a lifelong member of Home Branch Baptist Church.

Experience

1. State Executive Director

   USDA Farm Service Agency

   May 2025 — Present · SC, US

   Appointed by President Donald J. Trump to serve the South Carolina family farmers and foresters as the State Executive Director of the Farm Service Agency- United States Department of Agriculture

Education

• Francis Marion University

  Certification in Strategic Planning , Strategic Management

  2015 — 2017

• Francis Marion University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

  2015 — 2017

• Francis Marion University

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

  2009 — 2013

• Hillsdale College

  Constitution