APHIS has new administrator

Washington - 8/9/2007 - Cindy Smith is the new administrator of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), succeeding Dr. Ron DeHaven, who held the position since 2004.

Promoted from associate administrator, Smith will oversee programs aimed at protecting the nation's livestock, plants and food supply.

An APHIS member more than 25 years, she held earlier positions involving plant protection and quarantine, wildlife services and biotechnology regulatory services (BRS).

Named associate administrator in April, she previously served as deputy administrator for BRS and helped develop the agency's regulatory structure by establishing stricter requirements for genetically engineered crops and leading a review of the agency's biotechnology regulations.

"Her leadership and management experience are extremely valuable as APHIS continues to carry out its mission," says Bruce Knight, undersectretary for USDA marketing and regulatory programs.

DeHaven, who had been with APHIS more than 28 years, left recently to become executive director of the American Veterinary Medical Association.