BULLETIN NO.: MGR-96-048

TO:       All Reinsured Companies
          All Risk Management Field Offices
          FSA Headquarters, Program Delivery and Field Operations

FROM:     Kenneth D. Ackerman
          Acting Administrator

SUBJECT:  Announcement of Director for Insurance Services

I am pleased to announce the selection of Robert Prchal as the new Director 
of Insurance Services. 

Mr. Prchal brings to the position a wealth of experience, knowledge, and 
perspective.  Mr. Prchal joined the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation in the 
fall of 1976 as a crop insurance underwriter in Montana.  In 1989, Mr. Prchal 
was promoted to Director of the Billings Field Underwriting Office.  He held 
that post until his appointment to Director of the Billings Regional Service 
Office in 1992 and has served in that capacity since then.

Most recently, Mr Prchal was detailed to Insurance Services and served as the 
Director, Insurance Services Division.  He was responsible for administering 
and implementing program policies, procedures, and standards by which the 
Risk Management Agency delivers crop insurance through public and private 
sector partners.  In this capacity, he was responsible for managing a 
changing and expanding crop insurance program, and developing policy making 
recommendations to resolve the often conflicting needs of the farm sector, 
insurance industry, FSA, Congress, and the Administration.

Mr. Prchal is a 1974 graduate of Montana State University, Bozeman, MT with a 
bachelor's degree in agricultural sciences.  He continued his education at 
Washington State University, Pullman, WA and graduated in 1976 with a 
master's degree in agronomy.  Mr. Prchal also served in the armed forces from 
1966 to 1970 and is a U.S. Navy veteran.

The effective date of his appointment will be established shortly.