There’s a new chief administrator at USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Cindy J. Smith, DVM, is replacing Ron DeHaven, who retired Aug. 3rd. A 28-year veteran of the agency, Smith had served as acting administrator of APHIS since Aug 3, and as associate administrator since April.

Prior to that, she served as deputy administrator for Biotechnology Regulatory Services, 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.