Aphis Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Aphis has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and information technology.

Driven by a commitment to public service, Aphis operates within the Government industry, focusing on impactful solutions and operational excellence to serve its constituents.

Leadership Roles at Aphis

  • MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer - Melissa Tharp
  • Chief of Staff - Michelle Pletcher
  • Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD - Sean Blount
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Kira Wagner
  • Chief of Staff, Veterinary Services Deputy Administrator - Stephanie Brault
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Laura Blanton
  • Deputy Chief of Staff, APHIS VS DIAGNOSTICS AND BIOLOGICS - Frank Tortella
  • Chief of Staff, Animal Care - Susan Shriner
  • Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff - Nevada Trepanowski
  • Deputy Chief of Staff - Sally Rejas
  • Melissa Tharp - MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer

    Melissa Tharp, the MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer at Aphis, directs critical operational and administrative functions for the organization. Tharp oversees key programs and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with Aphis's government objectives and operational excellence. This leadership role involves managing resources, driving efficiency, and fostering collaboration across departments to achieve impactful results. By leading operational strategy and execution, Melissa Tharp plays a pivotal role in advancing Aphis's mission. The position demands extensive experience in operational management and government administration, contributing significantly to the company's effectiveness and public service delivery.

    Michelle Pletcher - Chief of Staff

    Michelle Pletcher, the Chief of Staff at Aphis, directs strategic initiatives and operational alignment across the organization. Pletcher ensures that departmental objectives directly support the overarching mission of Aphis, a government entity focused on impactful public service. This leadership position involves coordinating cross-functional teams to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in program delivery. By managing key projects and facilitating communication between executive leadership and operational units, Michelle Pletcher drives forward the company's strategic agenda. The role demands a comprehensive understanding of government operations and a proactive approach to problem-solving, ensuring seamless execution of Aphis's core functions and contributing to its market position within the government sector.

    Sean Blount - Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD

    Sean Blount, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD at Aphis, spearheads critical information technology strategies and operations. Blount oversees the development and implementation of IT infrastructure essential for Aphis's government functions, ensuring robust cybersecurity and data integrity. This role involves managing technology resources to support the company's mission and operational demands. By leading the IT department, Sean Blount ensures that technological advancements align with the organization's strategic goals, enhancing service delivery and operational efficiency. The position requires deep expertise in IT management within a government context, driving innovation and maintaining system reliability for Aphis.

    Kira Wagner - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Kira Wagner, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, supports the strategic direction and operational execution of the company's initiatives. Wagner focuses on streamlining processes and enhancing interdepartmental collaboration to achieve Aphis's government-focused objectives. This role involves managing critical projects and ensuring alignment with executive leadership's vision. By providing operational support and driving key programs, Kira Wagner contributes significantly to the efficiency and effectiveness of Aphis's operations. The position requires a keen understanding of organizational dynamics and a commitment to advancing the company's mission within the government sector, ensuring smooth workflow and strategic progress.

    Stephanie Brault - Chief of Staff, Veterinary Services Deputy Administrator

    Stephanie Brault, the Chief of Staff, Veterinary Services Deputy Administrator at Aphis, directs strategic operations and administrative functions for veterinary services. Brault ensures that the veterinary services division effectively supports Aphis's broader mission within the government industry. This leadership role involves overseeing critical programs, managing resources, and fostering collaboration across teams to enhance service delivery and regulatory compliance. By driving operational excellence and strategic planning, Stephanie Brault plays a vital part in the success of Aphis's veterinary services. The position demands specialized knowledge in animal health and government administration, contributing to the organization's overall impact and effectiveness.

    Laura Blanton - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Laura Blanton, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, provides essential support for strategic planning and operational management. Blanton works to ensure that Aphis's government operations run efficiently and effectively, aligning with the company's core mission. This role involves coordinating key projects, facilitating communication, and implementing strategic directives across various departments. By enhancing organizational processes and supporting executive decision-making, Laura Blanton contributes to the overall success and impact of Aphis. The position requires a strong understanding of operational frameworks and a dedication to advancing the company's objectives within the government sector.

    Frank Tortella - Deputy Chief of Staff, APHIS VS DIAGNOSTICS AND BIOLOGICS

    Frank Tortella, the Deputy Chief of Staff, APHIS VS DIAGNOSTICS AND BIOLOGICS at Aphis, leads strategic and operational efforts within the diagnostics and biologics sector. Tortella oversees critical functions that support Aphis's mission in animal health and public safety. This role involves managing complex projects, ensuring regulatory adherence, and driving innovation in diagnostic and biological services. By coordinating resources and fostering collaboration, Frank Tortella enhances the effectiveness of Aphis's VS Diagnostics and Biologics division. The position requires specialized expertise in biological sciences and government operations, contributing significantly to the organization's scientific capabilities and overall impact.

    Susan Shriner - Chief of Staff, Animal Care

    Susan Shriner, the Chief of Staff, Animal Care at Aphis, directs strategic initiatives and operational oversight for the Animal Care division. Shriner ensures that animal welfare standards and regulatory compliance are rigorously maintained, supporting Aphis's broader government mandate. This leadership position involves managing key programs, coordinating departmental activities, and driving improvements in animal care practices. By focusing on operational efficiency and strategic alignment, Susan Shriner significantly contributes to the effectiveness of Aphis's Animal Care operations. The role demands deep expertise in animal welfare regulations and government administration, reinforcing the organization's commitment to ethical standards and public trust.

    Nevada Trepanowski - Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff

    Nevada Trepanowski, the Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff at Aphis, drives critical planning and execution for remote operations. Trepanowski focuses on developing and implementing strategies that enhance operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness across distributed teams. This role involves coordinating strategic initiatives and ensuring seamless integration of planning efforts with Aphis's core government functions. By providing expert guidance in strategic and operational planning, Nevada Trepanowski supports the company's adaptability and responsiveness. The position requires a strong aptitude for remote management and strategic foresight, contributing to Aphis's ability to achieve its objectives regardless of physical location.

    Sally Rejas - Deputy Chief of Staff

    Sally Rejas, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, supports the executive leadership in executing strategic objectives and managing daily operations. Rejas focuses on enhancing organizational efficiency and ensuring that all departmental activities align with Aphis's mission within the government sector. This role involves coordinating critical projects, facilitating communication between leadership and staff, and implementing operational improvements. By providing dedicated support and driving key initiatives, Sally Rejas contributes significantly to the smooth functioning and strategic advancement of Aphis. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of operational management and a commitment to achieving organizational goals.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Aphis Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Aphis?
    Aphis is led by Melissa Tharp (MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer), along with executives such as Michelle Pletcher (Chief of Staff) and Sean Blount (Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD).
    Who is part of Aphis’s executive team?
    The executive team of Aphis includes leaders such as Melissa Tharp (MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer), Michelle Pletcher (Chief of Staff), Sean Blount (Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Aphis have?
    Aphis has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Aphis’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Aphis includes roles such as MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer, Chief of Staff, Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD, Deputy Chief of Staff, Chief of Staff, Veterinary Services Deputy Administrator.