Duane A. Sinclair

As Regional Director, Mr. Sinclair oversees the adjudication of cases filed in ERO and supervises a staff of dispersed Administrative Judges who conduct hearings throughout the region.  Mr. Sinclair is also responsible for the administrative functions, training, and supervision of the staff in the Indianapolis, Indiana, regional office.

Mr. Sinclair has spent his entire career with USDA and has been directly involved with administrative appeal processes since September 1989.   Throughout his tenure, Mr. Sinclair has served on several intra-agency committees and task forces that developed operating procedures and protocols for the adjudication of administrative appeals.  He has also made numerous presentations to NAD stakeholders about the administrative appeal process.

From January 1996 to May 2005, Mr. Sinclair served as the Regional Director in NAD’s Southern Regional Office and, from October 1994 through December 1995, served as the ERO Deputy Regional Director.  Prior to the establishment of NAD, Mr. Sinclair served as an Assistant Area Supervisor and Hearing Officer in the Eastern Region of the Farmers Home Administration’s National Appeals Staff.  He began his USDA career with the Farmers Home Administration in a County Office located in Northern Illinois.  Mr. Sinclair received his Bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University, majoring in Agri-Business Management.