Awards

Bicentennial Medal - 2019

About Anne C. Hazlett

Anne C. Hazlett is an Indiana native, and has been involved in agricultural and rural issues for over fifteen years. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. in Agricultural Communications from Kansas State University. Additionally, she earned a J.D. from Indiana University, and a masters degree in agricultural law from the University of Arkansas.

Hazlett is currently serving as senior advisor for rural affairs in the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy. Hazlett assists in shaping policy that is focused on improving quality of life in rural America, and coordinating interagency steps to control drug activity that has an impact on rural communities. She focuses on coalitions and grassroots strategies in rural areas centered on prevention, treatment and recovery. Previously, Hazlett served as the assistant to the secretary for rural development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and chief counsel to the Majority on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. Prior to her public service in Washington, Hazlett was the director of agriculture for her home state of Indiana, as well as chief of staff to Indiana Lt. Governor Becky Skillman. Hazlett was also in private law practice, advising clients on agriculture and environmental matters.

Throughout her career, Hazlett has served the public in countless ways as an advisor on many issues severely impacting rural America. From farming programs to broadband and child nutrition, Hazlett assisted in the creation of Indiana's first Office of Community and Rural Affairs. This agency is committed to providing assistance, both technical and financial, to rural communities, and also supervises the management of the state's agencies of housing finance, energy and tourism. In 2019, Hazlett was honored with Indiana University's Bicentennial Medal in recognition of her distinguished career in advocating for the needs of rural America.