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Claude Knighten (301) 734-5222
Jerry Redding (202) 720-4623
CINDY SMITH NAMED ASSOCIATE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ANIMAL AND PLANT HEALTH INSPECTION SERVICE
WASHINGTON, April 10, 2007--Dr. Ron DeHaven, administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, today announced the appointment of Cindy Smith as the agency’s new associate administrator.
“I am very pleased that Cindy has accepted this position,” DeHaven said. “Her career at APHIS spans more than 28 years and her commitment to public service, vast knowledge of agency activities and dedication to protecting American agriculture make her a natural choice for this leadership role.”
In her new role, Smith will assist in managing one of USDA’ most multi-faceted agencies, which includes the plant protection and quarantine program; veterinary services program; wildlife services program; animal care program and the biotechnology regulatory services program. The agency is charged with defending America’s animal and plant resources from agricultural pests and diseases. Smith replaces Nick Gutierrez, who is a member of the Foreign Service and accepted APHIS’ regional director position in Mexico City.
Smith began her career with APHIS in 1979 after graduating high school. Throughout her years in APHIS, Smith has gained diverse experience through a number of different positions in APHIS, including plant protection and quarantine, wildlife services and biotechnology regulatory services (BRS).
Since 2002, Smith has served as deputy administrator for BRS and played a major role in shaping the agency’s biotechnology regulatory structure, establishing more rigorous requirements for field tests of genetically engineered crops and initiating efforts to review and strengthen the agency’s overarching biotechnology regulations. From 2001 to 2002, Smith was the associate deputy administrator for wildlife services, which provides federal leadership and expertise in resolving conflicts caused by wildlife.
In 1983, Smith completed her bachelor of science degree in microbiology from the University of Maryland. She went on to earn her master of science degree in business management from the University of Maryland in 2000.
A native Marylander, Smith resides with her husband in Woodstock, Md., close to her family that includes six children and three grandchildren.
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