PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development branch has tapped Presque Isle City Manager Tom Stevens to serve as area director at the Presque Isle office.

The announcement was made Monday afternoon.

Stevens will oversee USDA Rural Development program delivery at the agency’s Presque Isle office, which serves Aroostook, Washington and a portion of northern Penobscot counties. He will start work on Jan. 11.

Stevens, 54, has served as Presque Isle’s city manager for 17 years. He started his career in 1976 as Millinocket’s welfare director and later was town manager of Limestone for 12 years before accepting a position as town manager in Standish. He came to Presque Isle in 1992.

He holds a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

“[Stevens] brings with him over 30 years of professional experience in public administration,” USDA Rural Development state director Virginia Manuel said Monday. “His proven leadership in management and economic and community development will be a welcome addition to our Maine Rural Development team. His long-time familiarity with the region and key partners with whom we work will be a great asset to USDA.”

Stevens’ contract as city manager with Presque Isle expires in early January.

Stevens said Monday he is “extremely pleased to be a part of a professional organization like USDA Rural Development.”

He added that he also was happy that he found a job that allowed him to stay in Presque Isle.

“I look forward to being a part of enhancing the quality of life for rural Maine residents,” he said.

USDA Rural Development’s mission is to increase economic opportunity and improve the quality of life for rural residents. Rural Development fosters growth in homeownership, finances business development and renewable and energy efficiency projects and supports the creation and improvement of critical community and technology infrastructure.