US President Barack Obama has nominated Indian-American Rajiv Shah to head US Agency for International Development (USAID). The post of Administrator of the federal agency responsible for all non-military aid by the US, had been kept vacant by the Obama Administration so far. If Congress confirms the nomination of Shah -- who at present is the Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics and Chief Scientist at the US Department of Agriculture -- then he would possibly become the highest ranking Indian American in any US Administration. "Rajiv brings fresh ideas and the dedication and impressive background necessary to help guide USAID as it works to achieve this important goal," Mr Obama said in a statement announcing his decision to nominate Mr Shah as the Administrator of USAID yesterday. The mission of USAID is to advance US' interests by strengthening our relationships abroad. "I look forward to working with Rajiv in the months and years ahead," Mr Obama said. Mr Shah, presently, manages the Agricultural Research Service, the Economic Research Service, the National Agricultural Statistical Service and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture in the US Department of Agriculture with more than 10,000 staff worldwide including 2,200 federal scientists and a budget of more than USD 2.6 billion.