Luke J. Lindberg
Luke J. Lindberg | |
|---|---|
| Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs | |
| President | Donald J. Trump |
| Preceded by | Alexis Taylor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Norwich, Vermont, U.S. |
| Residence(s) | Harrisburg, South Dakota, U.S. |
| Education | University of Maryland (BA, MPP, MBA) |
| Occupation | Business executive, diplomat |
Luke J. Lindberg is an American businessman and diplomat who has been nominated to serve as Under Secretary of Agriculture for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs in the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).[1]
He is the founder, president, and chief executive officer of South Dakota Trade, a public–private partnership that promotes international trade for the state.[2]
Early life and education
Lindberg was raised in Norwich, Vermont, where his mother, Cheryl A. Lindberg, serves as town treasurer since 1996.[3] He graduated from Hanover High School in New Hampshire and earned a B.A. in Government & Politics, a Master of Public Policy, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Maryland.[4]
Career
Private sector
Lindberg began his career as a management consultant with IBM in Washington, D.C.[5] He later worked for Sanford World Clinic, helping guide the health system’s international expansion.[6]
Export–Import Bank of the United States
In July 2019 Lindberg joined the Export–Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) as senior vice-president for external engagement. He was promoted on 31 December 2020 to Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer.[7] During his tenure, he helped implement the “China and Transformational Exports Program,” after the EXIM board adopted a new content policy in December 2020.[8]
South Dakota Trade
Lindberg founded South Dakota Trade in 2023, a 501(c)(6) association that assists South Dakotan exporters.[4] In April 2025 Jesse Fonkert was named his successor as president and CEO, with Lindberg remaining until Senate confirmation of his USDA post.[9]
Nomination as Under Secretary
President-elect Donald Trump announced Lindberg’s selection on 16 January 2025 via Truth Social.[10] The formal nomination was sent to the Senate (PN 12-26) on 20 January 2025.[11]
Personal life
Lindberg lives in Harrisburg, South Dakota, with his wife, Brittany Thune Lindberg, daughter of U.S. Senator John Thune, and their two children.[12] He is also a senior fellow at the America First Policy Institute.[13]
References
- ^ "PN12-26 — Luke Lindberg — Department of Agriculture". Congress.gov. 20 January 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Luke Lindberg – President & CEO". South Dakota Trade. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Town Treasurer". Town of Norwich, VT. 19 June 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ a b "Luke Lindberg – President & CEO". South Dakota Trade. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ Zimmerman, Caroline (5 December 2014). "Catching up with the Thune sisters". Argus Leader. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Sanford international board helping guide global development". SiouxFalls.Business. 7 August 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Luke J. Lindberg Appointed Chief of Staff and Chief Strategy Officer" (Press release). EXIM. 31 December 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "EXIM Board Unanimously Approves Historic Policy to Support U.S. Exporters Competing with the PRC" (Press release). EXIM. 18 December 2020. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "South Dakota Trade names next leader". SiouxFalls.Business. 8 April 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Truth Social posts of January 16, 2025". The American Presidency Project. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "PN12-26 — Luke Lindberg — Department of Agriculture". Congress.gov. 20 January 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "Luke Lindberg chosen as Trump's pick for USDA trade under secretary". Argus Leader. 17 January 2025. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
- ^ "American leadership in East Africa is helping stabilize the region—and that's good for our long-term national security". America First Policy Institute. 4 Mar 2024. Retrieved 23 Apr 2025.