Johanns Names New FSIS Administrator

June 29, 2007 - Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns announced the appointment of Alfred V. Almanza as the administrator of U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Almanza joined FSIS in 1978. A Texas native, he served most recently as the Dallas district manager, overseeing more than 350 federally inspected establishments. Prior to his days as Dallas district manager, he served in a variety of positions, including slaughter inspector, labor relations specialist, special assistant to the district manager and deputy district manager.

"He has a strong record as an FSIS manager for recruiting and training the most qualified individuals in order to improve the safety of FSIS regulated products, and does not hesitate to take swift and strong regulatory action in order to protect public health," Johanns said.

Almanza succeeds David P. Goldman, M.D., MPH, who served as acting FSIS administrator since January 2007 when Barbara Masters, DVM, left the post to join a Washington law firm.

<< Back