The mystery about why Krysta Harden resigned as USDA Deputy Secretary was revealed last week as Commodity Classic was getting underway in New Orleans. Harden has joined DuPont as vice president of Public Policy & Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO), succeeding Linda Fisher who elected to retire last month.

Harden will have responsibility for leading the company’s public policy and government affairs strategies, as well as its sustainability, philanthropy, product stewardship and global regulatory activities and will be based in Washington, D.C.

“Krysta comes to DuPont as a widely respected leader with exceptional experience in natural resource conservation, agriculture policy and sustainability,” said James Collins, DuPont executive vice president. “She brings an unmatched understanding of the emerging challenges and opportunities that DuPont is addressing to improve everyday lives for people and communities around the world as we create value for our customers and the marketplace. We are very pleased to welcome her to the company.”

As to when Harden might be replaced at USDA, Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was uncertain when asked about it during a press conference at Classic. “We’re going through the process … It’s just a matter of time,” he said. “Hopefully, that person, if they are designated gets approved and confirmed, but recently the Senate has shown a reluctance to even have a hearing on some people.”