APHIS Administrator Michael Watson announced several changes to leadership within Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). Bernadette Juarez will return to Animal Care (AC) as the Deputy Administrator, following six years as the Deputy Administrator for Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS). She previously held the same AC leadership role from 2016-2019, after serving as the Director of APHIS Investigative and Enforcement Services and before that as an attorney with USDA’s Office of the General Counsel. Her established engagement with AC stakeholders and familiarity with program priorities will be a valuable asset as she resumes this leadership role.

Sarah Helming had been serving as AC Deputy Administrator.  Helming is rejoining the Office of the Administrator (OA) as an Associate Administrator.