WASHINGTON – Gregory Parham, DVM, has been appointed administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) by Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. He was associate administrator at APHIS, and takes over from Cindy Smith who has served as administrator since 2007.

In 1980, Parham began his federal career as an epidemic intelligence service officer with the Public Health Service at the Centers for Disease Control. In 1982, he joined the US Department of Agriculture and he has worked for several USDA agencies during his career, including the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the Extension Service, the Cooperative State Research, Education and Extension Service and the Office of the Chief Information Officer.


“The American Meat Institute congratulates Dr. Parham on his appointment,” said James Hodges, American Meat Institute executive vice president. “His vast experience will be a valuable asset as we continue to work toward our shared goal of safeguarding animal agriculture.”