Aphis Executive and Leadership Team

Melissa Tharp, the MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer at Aphis, manages the complex operational infrastructure required to support national agricultural programs. Tharp oversees the allocation of fiscal resources and human capital to ensure the agency meets its regulatory obligations. As the MRP Chief Operating Officer, Tharp drives efficiency in service delivery across regional offices, ensuring that operational standards remain consistent nationwide. The Deputy Administrator monitors the performance of administrative systems, implementing improvements that streamline internal workflows. Melissa Tharp coordinates with other senior leaders to align operational capacity with the evolving needs of the government sector. By focusing on scalable solutions, the Chief Operating Officer enhances the agency's ability to respond to emerging agricultural threats. Tharp maintains a rigorous focus on fiscal responsibility and operational excellence to support the broader mission of protecting American agriculture.

Amanda Redford, the Chief of Staff at Aphis, directs high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental initiatives to ensure organizational efficiency. Redford manages the flow of information between executive leadership and internal divisions, facilitating rapid decision-making processes. By aligning internal resources with the broader government mission, the Chief of Staff optimizes operational output across the entire agency. Redford monitors project timelines and resource allocation to maintain strict adherence to federal mandates. This leadership role requires constant collaboration with department heads to resolve bottlenecks and improve communication channels. Amanda Redford maintains a focus on long-term strategic goals while addressing immediate administrative requirements. Through rigorous oversight of internal processes, the Chief of Staff supports the agency in achieving its objectives regarding agricultural protection and public service excellence.

Stephanie Brault, the Chief of Staff, Veterinary Services Deputy Administrator at Aphis, coordinates the strategic activities of the veterinary services division to safeguard animal health. Brault manages the integration of policy directives into daily field operations, ensuring that veterinary teams maintain compliance with federal standards. The Chief of Staff facilitates communication between technical experts and administrative leadership to expedite disease surveillance and response efforts. Stephanie Brault oversees the implementation of programs designed to prevent the spread of animal diseases across North American borders. By aligning veterinary resources with national security priorities, the Chief of Staff ensures that the agency remains prepared for potential biological threats. Brault monitors the effectiveness of veterinary initiatives, adjusting operational strategies to improve outcomes. This leadership role involves constant engagement with stakeholders to maintain the integrity of the national animal health infrastructure.

Susan Shriner, the Chief of Staff, Animal Care at Aphis, directs the administrative and operational functions of the animal welfare division. Shriner oversees the enforcement of regulatory standards for animal care, ensuring that facilities across the country adhere to federal guidelines. The Chief of Staff coordinates with field inspectors and policy analysts to refine oversight procedures and improve compliance rates. Susan Shriner manages the internal processes that support the agency's mission to protect the well-being of animals in regulated environments. By streamlining communication between the animal care division and executive leadership, the Chief of Staff ensures that policy changes are implemented effectively. Shriner monitors the impact of regulatory actions on industry stakeholders, adjusting operational approaches to maintain high standards of care. This role requires a focus on both administrative precision and the practical application of animal welfare regulations.

Laura Blanton, the Veterinary Services Chief of Staff at Aphis, manages the internal operations and strategic planning for the veterinary services division. Blanton coordinates the efforts of technical teams focused on disease prevention and diagnostic support. The Chief of Staff ensures that veterinary programs receive the necessary administrative backing to function effectively in diverse geographic regions. Laura Blanton facilitates the alignment of veterinary services with broader agency goals, promoting a unified approach to animal health security. By overseeing the execution of complex projects, the Chief of Staff helps the agency maintain its readiness to address agricultural health challenges. Blanton monitors the performance of veterinary initiatives, identifying opportunities for process improvement and resource optimization. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with subject matter experts to ensure that veterinary services remain at the forefront of national agricultural protection efforts.

Nevada Trepanowski, the Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff at Aphis, architects the long-term planning frameworks that guide agency operations. Trepanowski oversees the development of strategic roadmaps, ensuring that all departments remain aligned with the core mission of agricultural security. The Chief of Staff manages the integration of remote operational models, allowing the agency to maintain continuity across dispersed geographic locations. Nevada Trepanowski analyzes performance data to identify trends and inform future planning efforts. By coordinating with various divisions, the Chief of Staff ensures that operational plans are both ambitious and achievable. Trepanowski focuses on building resilient systems that can adapt to changing government priorities and market conditions. This leadership role requires a deep understanding of the agency's operational landscape and a commitment to driving continuous improvement through data-driven strategic planning.

Sean Blount, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD at Aphis, directs the information technology infrastructure that supports the agency's critical government functions. Blount oversees the modernization of digital systems, ensuring that data management and cybersecurity protocols meet federal requirements. The Deputy Chief Information Officer manages the implementation of technology solutions that enhance the efficiency of agricultural monitoring and disease surveillance. Sean Blount coordinates with other executive leaders to align IT capabilities with the agency's strategic objectives. By focusing on scalable and secure technology, the Deputy Chief Information Officer supports the agency's ability to process large volumes of data across national networks. Blount monitors the performance of IT systems, implementing upgrades that improve reliability and accessibility. This leadership role involves constant innovation to ensure that the agency's digital infrastructure remains robust and capable of supporting complex government operations.

Angela Messinger, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, supports the executive leadership team by managing key administrative projects and internal communications. Messinger oversees the coordination of cross-functional teams to ensure that agency initiatives remain on schedule and within budget. The Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates the flow of information between departments, helping to resolve operational conflicts and improve team alignment. Angela Messinger monitors the progress of high-priority projects, providing regular updates to senior leadership. By focusing on administrative excellence, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the agency's ability to execute its mission effectively. Messinger works closely with other staff members to streamline internal processes and promote a culture of accountability. This leadership role requires a focus on detail and a commitment to supporting the broader goals of the agency through efficient project management and clear communication.

Kira Wagner, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, manages the implementation of internal policies and operational procedures that support the agency's government mission. Wagner oversees the coordination of administrative resources to ensure that departments have the support necessary to achieve their objectives. The Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration between different divisions, promoting a unified approach to agency-wide challenges. Kira Wagner monitors the effectiveness of internal policies, recommending adjustments to improve operational efficiency and compliance. By focusing on the alignment of administrative functions with strategic goals, the Deputy Chief of Staff helps the agency maintain its focus on agricultural protection. Wagner works with other leaders to address operational bottlenecks and improve the overall performance of the organization. This leadership role involves constant engagement with internal stakeholders to ensure that administrative processes remain responsive to the needs of the agency.

Frank Tortella, the Deputy Chief of Staff, APHIS VS DIAGNOSTICS AND BIOLOGICS at Aphis, directs the administrative operations for the diagnostics and biologics division. Tortella oversees the coordination of resources required for the testing and validation of veterinary products. The Deputy Chief of Staff manages the integration of regulatory requirements into the division's daily operations, ensuring that all diagnostic activities meet federal standards. Frank Tortella facilitates communication between technical staff and administrative leadership to support the timely delivery of diagnostic services. By aligning the division's operational capacity with national health priorities, the Deputy Chief of Staff helps the agency maintain its ability to respond to biological threats. Tortella monitors the performance of diagnostic programs, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy. This leadership role requires a focus on both technical precision and administrative effectiveness to support the agency's mission.