Tara Weaver-Missick

Tara Weaver-Missick currently serves as the Director of Communications at USDA Research, Education, and Economics since September 2019, leading communications and media relations efforts. Prior to this role, Tara worked as the Director of Communications at the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture from April 2019 to September 2019, providing strategic guidance on communications issues. Between April 1997 and April 2019, Tara held multiple positions at USDA-ARS, including Chief of the Information Products and Services Branch, where oversight of design, editorial, and photography units took place, and Acting Deputy Chief Information Officer, advising on IT strategy and policy. Additionally, Tara served as the Head of Marketing in ARS's Office of Technology Transfer, focusing on outreach and marketing agency research to various stakeholders, alongside experience as a Public Affairs Specialist engaged in writing and media relations.