DeHaven named APHIS head

Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman announced April 9 the appointment of Dr. Ron DeHaven as administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Dr. DeHaven replaces Bobby Acord, who retired April 3 after nearly 38 years of federal service.

"(Dr. DeHaven's) leadership and management experience are valuable assets as we continue to strengthen our animal and plant protection systems," Veneman said.

Dr. DeHaven served as deputy administrator of APHIS Veterinary Services since April 2002. As the nation's chief veterinary official, he provided leadership in safeguarding animal health, most notably during the months following the detection of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in a Washington state dairy cow last December.

As APHIS administrator, Dr. DeHaven will manage federal programs protecting the nation's livestock, plants, and food supply.

In addition to news of Dr. DeHaven's promotion, the USDA announced that Dr. John Clifford was named acting deputy administrator of Veterinary Services. Dr. Clifford is associate deputy administrator for national policy at Veterinary Services for Animal Health Programs.

Dr. DeHaven was acting associate administrator for APHIS from October 2001 through April 2002. From 1996-2001, he was deputy administrator for the Animal Care unit of APHIS.

Dr. DeHaven received a DVM degree from Purdue University in 1975 and a master's in business administration from Millsaps College in Mississippi in May 1989. After graduating from veterinary school, he spent four years in the Army Veterinary Corps before beginning his career with APHIS in 1979.