Thaddeus Fairley, Sr. was appointed by the Biden Administration to serve as the State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) in Mississippi in November 2021.
Fairley is a certified non-profit professional and native of Sunflower, Mississippi. Most recently, he served as a Field Representative for Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, current chair of the Committee on Homeland Security. During his time with the Congressman, Fairley served as an expert on broadband initiatives and constituent services, including working on resolving issues for farmers. Prior to joining the Congressman’s office, Fairley worked in the banking industry for over seven years.
Fairley has been involved in the Sunflower County Freedom Project for the past six years and served as a board member. The organization focuses on creating a corps of academically capable, socially conscious, and mentally disciplined leaders in the Mississippi Delta. In 2020, Fairley received the Higher Purpose Award for his contributions to minority businesses and entrepreneurs.
He is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science and mathematics and Louisiana State University at Shreveport where he earned a Master of Science in nonprofit administration.
Fairley currently resides in Indianola, Mississippi, with his wife Felicia and their two sons. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling.