APHIS hires new administrator

WASHINGTON — Cindy Smith is the new administrator of 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 manage an array of programs related to the protection of the nation's livestock, plants and food supply.

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

An APHIS member more than 25 years, Smith was named associate administrator in April. She held several previous positions, involving plant protection and quarantine, wildlife services and biotechnology regulatory services (BRS). She was deputy administrator for BRS, helping develop the agency's regulatory structure by establishing stricter requirements for genetically engineered crops and leading a review of the agency's biotechnology regulations.

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