MS HR143

Archie Tucker retired after 51 years with the USDA's Agricultural Research Service, becoming the first African American to hold the positions of Area Administrative Officer and Deputy Area Director in the agency's history

Tucker began his career at age 16 as a part-time biological aide in Stoneville, Mississippi, and earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Mississippi Valley State University

As Area Director, Tucker managed operations across 11 states plus Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, overseeing 27 research locations, approximately 1,542 employees (including 582 PhD scientists), and an annual budget of $350 million

Tucker received numerous honors including the 2022 Presidential Rank Award (the highest federal civilian employee award), the 2015 Abraham Lincoln Award, and the 2024 A.L. Vandergriff Cotton Pioneer Award

The Mississippi House of Representatives formally commends Tucker for his distinguished career and wishes him success in future endeavors