Aphis Executive and Leadership Team

Melissa Tharp, the MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer at Aphis, executes critical operational strategies for the agency's programs. This executive role involves direct oversight of day-to-day operations, ensuring the efficient delivery of services related to animal and plant health. Tharp manages departmental resources and drives process improvements to enhance operational output. The position requires a comprehensive grasp of regulatory frameworks and their application within the government industry. By leading the operational arm, Melissa Tharp ensures that Aphis effectively implements its mandate for disease prevention and agricultural safeguarding. This leadership ensures the integrity and effectiveness of the agency's core functions, contributing significantly to national food security and public health. Tharp's operational leadership is central to Aphis's mission.

Jayme Hennenfent, the Chief of Staff at Aphis, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the organization. This leadership position involves managing key projects and ensuring seamless execution of the agency's mission. Hennenfent oversees internal communications and facilitates collaboration between departments, driving efficiency in government operations. The role requires a deep understanding of Aphis's operational landscape and its impact on national agricultural health. By coordinating efforts, Jayme Hennenfent ensures that departmental goals directly support the overarching objectives of safeguarding animal and plant health. This executive's focus is on optimizing resource allocation and enhancing organizational effectiveness within the government sector. The Chief of Staff role is critical for maintaining operational momentum and achieving strategic targets.

Sean Blount, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD at Aphis, spearheads the agency's information technology strategy and implementation. This executive role focuses on enhancing digital infrastructure and ensuring robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive government data. Blount oversees the development and deployment of IT solutions that support Aphis's mission in agricultural health and disease prevention. The position demands expertise in managing complex technological systems and driving innovation within the government sector. By leading the IT department, Sean Blount ensures that technological advancements directly contribute to operational efficiency and data integrity. This leadership is vital for maintaining secure and effective information systems, supporting Aphis's critical functions. Blount's technical direction is key to modernizing agency operations.

Angela Messinger, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, supports the Chief of Staff in executing strategic priorities and managing organizational initiatives. This executive role involves coordinating cross-departmental efforts and ensuring alignment with agency-wide objectives. Messinger focuses on streamlining internal processes and enhancing communication channels to foster a more cohesive work environment. The position requires a keen understanding of government operations and the specific needs of the agricultural health sector. By assisting in strategic planning, Angela Messinger contributes to the effective implementation of Aphis's mission. This role is crucial for maintaining operational continuity and driving forward key projects that safeguard national health. Messinger's support is integral to the Chief of Staff's effectiveness.

Sally Rejas, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, plays a vital role in advancing the agency's strategic agenda and operational efficiency. This executive position involves managing critical projects and ensuring that departmental activities align with Aphis's core mission of safeguarding agricultural health. Rejas focuses on enhancing inter-agency collaboration and optimizing resource utilization across various divisions. The role necessitates a thorough understanding of government protocols and the complexities of the animal and plant health landscape. Through dedicated support, Sally Rejas contributes to the successful execution of key initiatives that protect national interests. This leadership ensures that operational plans are effectively translated into tangible outcomes, reinforcing Aphis's commitment to public service. Rejas's contributions are essential for strategic execution.

Kira Wagner, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, drives strategic implementation and operational coordination across the organization. This executive role focuses on ensuring that all departmental functions contribute effectively to Aphis's overarching goals in agricultural health and disease prevention. Wagner oversees the management of key performance indicators and facilitates the seamless integration of new policies and procedures. The position requires a nuanced understanding of government operations and the specific challenges within the public health sector. By providing critical support, Kira Wagner ensures that strategic directives are translated into actionable plans. This leadership is instrumental in maintaining organizational coherence and achieving mission-critical objectives. Wagner's role is pivotal for operational success.

Frank Tortella, the Deputy Chief of Staff, APHIS VS DIAGNOSTICS AND BIOLOGICS at Aphis, directs critical operational functions within the diagnostics and biologics division. This executive role involves overseeing the strategic deployment of resources and ensuring the highest standards of scientific integrity in laboratory operations. Tortella focuses on enhancing diagnostic capabilities and the development of effective biological countermeasures to protect animal and plant health. The position demands extensive knowledge of regulatory compliance and advanced scientific methodologies within the government industry. By leading this specialized area, Frank Tortella ensures that Aphis maintains cutting-edge capabilities in disease detection and prevention. This leadership is vital for safeguarding national agricultural assets and public well-being. Tortella's expertise drives critical scientific advancements.

Susan Shriner, the Chief of Staff, Animal Care at Aphis, leads strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the animal care division. This executive role focuses on ensuring the humane treatment and welfare of animals under Aphis's purview, aligning with national standards and regulations. Shriner directs efforts to enhance compliance monitoring and enforcement activities, safeguarding animal health across the nation. The position requires a deep understanding of animal welfare laws and the operational demands of regulatory oversight within the government sector. By championing animal care standards, Susan Shriner ensures that Aphis effectively fulfills its mandate to protect animal populations. This leadership is crucial for maintaining public trust and advancing the agency's mission. Shriner's focus is on operational excellence in animal welfare.

Nevada Trepanowski, the Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff at Aphis, drives forward the agency's long-term strategic vision and operational frameworks. This executive role emphasizes the development and implementation of robust planning processes, ensuring Aphis remains agile and responsive to evolving challenges in agricultural health. Trepanowski oversees the integration of strategic goals with day-to-day operational activities, fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The position requires expertise in strategic foresight and operational management within a government context. By guiding strategic planning, Nevada Trepanowski ensures that Aphis effectively anticipates future needs and allocates resources optimally. This leadership is essential for sustained organizational effectiveness and mission accomplishment. Trepanowski's planning expertise is foundational.

Laura Blanton, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, provides critical support in executing the agency's strategic objectives and operational directives. This executive role involves coordinating key initiatives and ensuring seamless collaboration among various departments to advance Aphis's mission in safeguarding agricultural health. Blanton focuses on enhancing operational workflows and facilitating effective communication across the organization. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of government operations and the specific requirements of the public health sector. Through dedicated management, Laura Blanton contributes to the successful implementation of critical programs and policies. This leadership ensures that operational plans are efficiently executed, supporting Aphis's commitment to national well-being. Blanton's role is vital for organizational synergy.