Dr. Barbara Masters has been appointed acting administrator at the Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service, in the wake of the departure of Garry L. McKee, PhD, who has served as administrator since July 2002.

Elsa Murano, undersecretary for food safety at the USDA, announced the change Feb. 26. Dr. McKee has accepted a new post as science adviser for the USDA Technical Service Center in Omaha, Neb.

"I commend the many contributions Dr. McKee has made as administrator, particularly improving inspector training," Murano said, in a statement.

Dr. Masters is currently the deputy administrator for field operations. In the past, she has served as director of the slaughter operations staff, branch chief in processing operations, and a staff officer for the slaughter operations staff and the technology transfer and coordination staff. She has also served as an inspector-in-charge in a livestock slaughter and processing establishment.

"Dr. Masters brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this position, having served with the agency in a number of important roles," Murano said. "Dr. Masters was instrumental in helping the agency transition to the Hazard Analysis and Critical Points food safety system, and she has a fundamental understanding of agency programs and policies."