Zachary Riley was appointed by the Trump Administration to serve as the state executive director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in New Mexico in August 2025. 

Riley is part of his family’s fourth-generation ranch in eastern New Mexico. He grew up working the land and understands firsthand the challenges that producers face. His agriculture background fueled a lifelong passion for agriculture and rural advocacy. 

Over the past decade and a half, Riley has held senior leadership roles in multiple agricultural organizations. Recently, he served as chief executive officer of the Colorado Livestock Association where he led successful efforts to increase membership, strengthen the organization’s portfolio, increase brand presence, and build stronger partnerships with policymakers and the ag community. Before that, he served as senior director of public policy for the Colorado Farm Bureau where he worked directly with Congress and state legislators on critical issues like the Farm Bill, rural infrastructure, labor reform, and tax policy.

Earlier in his career, Riley worked across New Mexico agriculture as the government affairs director for the New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau and previously for both the New Mexico Cattle Growers and Wool Growers Associations. He also spent time serving New Mexico communities as a field representative for Congressman Steve Pearce, helping connect rural voices to the federal government.

Riley earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Wayland Baptist University. He is a proud graduate of the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program and completed campaign operations training through the American Farm Bureau Federation. 

Throughout his career, Riley has been a tireless advocate for agriculture through his involvement in community outreach, educational programs, and leadership training across the southwest.