SALEM, Ore. -- Former State Senator Vicki Walker has been named the Director for Rural Development in Oregon.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture made the announcement late Friday afternoon.

Walker has been a state senator from Eugene since 2003. Earlier this year, she left the legislature to become the head of the State Board of Parole. However, last month the governor's office cut the position because of budget issues.

The White House says it's confident Walker can do the job.