Michelle Sharrow

Michelle Sharrow brings over two decades of comprehensive management and leadership expertise to her role as Director at USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS). In this capacity, she oversees a dynamic team of more than 70 multidisciplinary professionals dispersed across various geographic locations, all dedicated to supporting the U.S. specialty crop and hemp industries. Michelle’s strategic vision and operational acumen have been instrumental in advancing key initiatives such as the administration of national research and promotion programs, federal marketing orders, and import requirements, as well as the oversight of the U.S. Domestic Hemp Production Program. Her leadership ensures that these programs operate efficiently, effectively, and in alignment with industry needs and regulatory standards.

Michelle’s expertise in developing and implementing strategic and annual operational plans has enabled AMS to streamline processes, enhance organizational effectiveness, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Her proficiency in managing multimillion-dollar budgets and monitoring financial performance ensures resource allocation aligns with program goals, while her skills in coaching and staff development cultivate a motivated, high-performing team. She excels in leveraging analytical skills to assess program impact and identify opportunities for innovation within complex federal frameworks.

Her commitment to organizational development and ethical leadership has strengthened AMS’s capacity to serve the specialty crop and hemp sectors, promoting sustainable growth and market expansion. Michelle’s ability to communicate complex regulatory and industry information clearly and effectively has been vital in building stakeholder trust and fostering collaborative partnerships. Overall, her strategic leadership and operational expertise position her as a key driver in advancing the USDA-AMS’s mission to support vibrant, competitive agricultural markets through effective program administration and industry engagement.