Twinkle Cavanaugh Resigns for USDA Rural Post

Twinkle Cavanaugh, president of the Alabama Public Service Commission (PSC), is resigning effective June 1 to become the U.S. Department of Agriculture's State Director for Rural Development in Alabama, an appointment by President Donald Trump. Cavanaugh, a Republican and former Alabama GOP chair, has served on the PSC since 2010 and as its president since 2012. Her tenure included advocacy for utility regulation and rural access, as well as facing criticism from watchdog and environmental groups. She expressed gratitude for her public service and reaffirmed her commitment to Alabama's families and farmers. Governor Kay Ivey is expected to appoint a replacement soon, with Caroleene Dobson rumored as a possible successor. Cavanaugh's move is viewed as part of the Trump administration's broader push for 'America First' rural development policies.