Robert Sullivan was appointed by the Trump Administration as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Rhode Island in June 2025.

Prior to his appointment, Sullivan served as the operator and site manager of his family-owned landscaping business. Sullivan designed, built, and maintained custom residential and commercial outdoor spaces including the historic gardens at the Theater-By-the-Sea in Matunuck, Rhode Island. This work cultivated his lifelong passion for floriculture which is evidenced by the many lush and colorful design projects in his extensive portfolio.

Sullivan has been recognized throughout his career for his hard work, commitment to innovation, and volunteerism. He was honored to be named the Southern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Young Professional of the Year for two consecutive years. He was also recognized as a United Way of Rhode Island’s Emerging Leader and was a four-time scholarship recipient selected to attend the Young Conservatives for Energy Reform Clean Energy Summit in Washington, D.C.

Sullivan has been publicly recognized by his state representative for his service to the Rhode Island community. He regularly volunteers his time in his community. He has served at the Welcome House in Peace Dale, Rhode Island, where he constructed food gardens to help provide food for unhoused persons. He has also led youth entrepreneur workshops with the Salvation Army and Unified Solutions, provides landscaping services for the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 916 and volunteers with several other charitable and civic minded organizations throughout the state.

Sullivan grew up in Westerly but currently lives in Charlestown, Rhode Island. When he is not volunteering in his community, Sullivan takes every opportunity to travel and never misses a chance to visit a botanical garden.