(Editors' Note: the following is a press release from the U.S. Department of Agriculture) 

Dear Stakeholders:

I’m reaching out to update you about several animal health senior leadership changes that will become effective on August 1.

As part of an intentional leadership transition to focus on the future of Veterinary Services (VS), I’ve named Dr. Rosemary Sifford as VS’ next Deputy Administrator and Chief Veterinary Officer of the United States and Dr. Alecia Naugle as VS’ Associate Deputy Administrator. Dr. Burke Healey will assume the role of Executive Director for VS’ Strategy and Policy division, where he will concentrate on several longstanding animal health issues, including the future of the tuberculosis program.

Since 2020, Dr. Sifford has served as the Associate Deputy Administrator of APHIS’ Animal Care program.  Before joining Animal Care, she was VS’ Associate Deputy Administrator.  Dr. Sifford began her career with APHIS in 1997 as a Saul T. Wilson Scholar and has held a number of positions within the Agency both in the field and at headquarters, including working as an Agricultural Quarantine Inspection veterinarian for our Plant Protection and Quarantine program.

Dr. Alecia Naugle, is currently serving as VS’ Executive Director for Strategy and Policy and has held multiple leadership positions within the program’s headquarters office, including serving as Director of VS’ Ruminant Health Center.  She also spent a year with USDA’s Office of the Chief Scientist, serving as a Senior Advisor for Animal Health, Production and Products.  Before joining VS in 2007, Dr. Naugle spent almost four years with USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

I wish Rosemary, Alecia and Burke success in their new roles and know they will continue to work together on behalf of America’s producers to protect and improve the health, quality, and marketability of U.S. agricultural animals, animal products, and veterinary biologics.

Sincerely,
Kevin Shea
APHIS Administrator