Nominee's Key Links:
Bio: www.BearHammonds.com
Resume or CV: www.BearHammonds.com
Writing or Publications: www.BearHammonds.com
Website: www.BearHammonds.com
Video: https://www.youtube.com/@BearHammonds/featured
Socials:
Agency or agencies for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:
Organization name(s) and position(s) for which nominator feels nominee is best suited:
Chief Financial Officer of Agriculture, Deputy Chief Financial Officer of Agriculture
Policies which the nominator knows the nominee supports or in which they have expertise:
Bear Hammonds has extensive experience as a farmer, a military leader, and a financial expert, which all support him as a top candidate for a position within the Trump Administration. He supports policies strengthening America's agricultural foundations and promoting food independence, security, and affordability. He aims to reduce regulatory burdens and redirect subsidies to benefit local, sustainable, and regenerative farming practices. Bear Hammonds focuses on policies prioritizing healthy soil, the profitability of family farms, and the well-being of our citizens as key to economic resilience.
Bear Hammonds backs initiatives to reduce our reliance on toxic pesticides, empower local producers and processors, and revitalize family farms to strengthen rural economies.
Under the Trump administration, Bear Hammonds will be committed to helping restore the U.S. as a net food producer by countering the influence of Big Agriculture and chemical companies that have put family farms at risk, degraded our soil, and harmed public health. His policy goals include educating consumers on locally grown food options, restoring soil health, and creating a sustainable future for American agriculture.
Nominator's thoughts on what would make this nominee a valuable member of a future Trump Unity Government
1. Competence in Subject Areas for the Chief Financial Officer of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture: Colby “Bear” Hammonds has advanced experience working at several senior-level Financial Officer management positions within DoD. His career key roles include: Director of Accounting for the United States Army Forces Command and Comptroller - Chief Financial Officer for NC Army National Guard. He holds several advanced graduate degrees, including an MBA and a master's degree in Trust and Wealth Management. Additionally, his lifetime of agricultural experience is grounded in his upbringing on a multi-generational family farm in North Carolina. His years of working the land, his advanced academic degrees, military training, and business ownership give him an in-depth understanding of practical and strategic agricultural issues. As a leader in the farming community, he has consistently advocated for sustainable farming practices and policies that benefit small-scale producers, making him exceptionally well-prepared to address the Department of Agriculture's challenges.
2. Honesty about Conflicts of Interest and Corporate Influence: Bear Hammonds has been vocal about the detrimental effects of corporate capture in agriculture, particularly how large corporations and Big Ag interests have stifled family farms and local producers. He believes in transparency and openly discusses the influence of corporate money in shaping agricultural policies that often hurt small farmers. His willingness to openly address conflicts of interest and corporate influence speaks to his commitment to honesty in policy-making.
3. Respect for Freedom of Speech, the Constitution, and the Right to Dissent: With 33 years of service in the Army National Guard and Army Reserve, including combat deployments as a helicopter pilot, Bear has demonstrated a deep respect for the Constitution and its freedoms. His military career instilled a strong respect for individual rights, including the right to dissent. In his campaign and public life, he encourages open dialogue, welcomes differing perspectives, and believes that dissent is vital to a healthy democracy.
4. Integrity to Serve the Public over Corporate Interests: Throughout his career, Bear Hammonds has made it clear that his primary loyalty lies with the farmers, families, and communities of North Carolina—not with corporations. His policies reflect a commitment to protecting small farms, supporting food security, and promoting sustainable practices over profit-driven agendas. He is committed to ensuring that agriculture policy benefits local producers and strengthens rural economies rather than serving corporate profit motives.
5. Courage to Blow the Whistle and Hold Others Accountable: Bear Hammonds has shown courage in his willingness to challenge the political establishment in North Carolina, even at personal and professional costs. He has stood up to influential figures within his own party, insisting on fairness and transparency. He is unafraid to bring attention to policies or practices that betray the public trust, demonstrating his commitment to accountability and ethical governance.
6. Proven Record of Positive Results for the People He Serves: Bear Hammonds’ leadership has consistently produced tangible results for his community. His advocacy for sustainable and locally driven agricultural policies has contributed to greater food security, local economic development, and support for family farms. His commitment to building community and strengthening agriculture has already benefited countless individuals and will continue to do so as he seeks to expand these positive impacts statewide and nationally.
In summary, Colby “Bear” Hammonds has shown throughout his career that he is well-qualified, competent, and deeply committed to integrity, transparency, and the public good. His background, principles, proven leadership, and commitment to purpose make him a strong advocate for the American public, dedicated to putting people before profit in agriculture policy. I implore the Transition Team to contact Bear to learn more about his shared vision of making America healthy again and his commitment to doing it with courage, integrity, and purpose.
