Aphis Executive and Leadership Team

Melissa Tharp, the MRPBS Deputy Administrator and MRP Chief Operating Officer at Aphis, oversees the complex operational infrastructure required to support government agricultural programs. Melissa Tharp architects scalable systems that manage large-scale resource distribution and administrative support services. By driving North American operational initiatives, the MRP Chief Operating Officer ensures that all logistical frameworks meet stringent federal standards. This role requires constant interaction with the executive board to align operational capacity with evolving regulatory demands. Through the implementation of advanced management protocols, the MRP Chief Operating Officer enhances organizational agility and responsiveness. By optimizing internal processes, the MRP Chief Operating Officer secures the necessary support for field operations and administrative functions. This leadership role remains vital for maintaining the operational readiness of the agency, ensuring that all government mandates receive the necessary logistical backing to achieve successful outcomes across the entire organization.

Sarah Prewitt, the Chief of Staff at Aphis, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental communication to ensure organizational alignment. Sarah Prewitt directs the executive office agenda, facilitating decision-making processes that support the broader government mission. By streamlining internal operations, the Chief of Staff optimizes resource allocation across the agency. This role involves constant collaboration with senior leadership to refine policy implementation and maintain operational efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of daily administrative functions, the Chief of Staff ensures that all departmental goals remain synchronized with the overarching strategic objectives of the organization. By fostering a culture of accountability, the Chief of Staff drives performance improvements that enhance the agency's ability to address complex regulatory challenges. This leadership position remains central to maintaining the structural integrity of the agency while supporting long-term institutional stability and mission success.

Laura Blanton, the Veterinary Services Chief of Staff at Aphis, coordinates the administrative and strategic functions within the veterinary division to protect animal health. Laura Blanton directs the flow of information between technical experts and executive leadership, ensuring that policy decisions reflect current scientific data. By overseeing the operational requirements of veterinary programs, the Veterinary Services Chief of Staff maintains the integrity of national disease surveillance efforts. This role involves managing complex project timelines and ensuring that all veterinary initiatives align with federal regulatory requirements. Through the synchronization of departmental resources, the Veterinary Services Chief of Staff supports the agency's mission to safeguard agricultural productivity. By facilitating clear communication channels, the Veterinary Services Chief of Staff enables the division to respond effectively to emerging health threats. This leadership position remains essential for maintaining the operational focus of the veterinary division while supporting the broader goals of the agency.

Frank Tortella, the Deputy Chief of Staff, APHIS VS DIAGNOSTICS AND BIOLOGICS at Aphis, manages the administrative operations for the diagnostics and biologics division. Frank Tortella architects efficient workflows that support the testing and regulatory approval processes for veterinary biologics. By overseeing the coordination of technical staff and administrative support, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all diagnostic activities meet federal quality standards. This role involves constant collaboration with division leadership to align operational output with national health priorities. Through the implementation of rigorous management practices, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the speed and accuracy of diagnostic services. By optimizing internal resource management, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the agency's ability to monitor and control animal health risks. This leadership role remains critical for maintaining the operational excellence of the diagnostics division while ensuring that all regulatory functions support the broader mission of the agency.

Nevada Trepanowski, the Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff at Aphis, directs the long-term planning initiatives that guide the agency's operational trajectory. Nevada Trepanowski architects comprehensive frameworks for strategic development, ensuring that all remote operations remain aligned with federal mandates. By overseeing the integration of planning processes across diverse geographic regions, the Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff maintains organizational consistency. This role involves constant interaction with senior leadership to refine strategic goals and monitor progress toward key performance indicators. Through the application of data-driven planning methodologies, the Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff enhances the agency's ability to anticipate and address future regulatory challenges. By fostering a culture of strategic foresight, the Strategic & Operational Planning Remote Chief of Staff supports the agency's mission to maintain agricultural stability. This leadership position remains essential for ensuring that all operational planning efforts contribute to the long-term success of the organization.

Stephanie Brault, the Chief of Staff, Veterinary Services Deputy Administrator at Aphis, manages the executive office functions for the veterinary services leadership team. Stephanie Brault directs the administrative support required to execute complex veterinary policy and regulatory programs. By overseeing the coordination of high-level meetings and policy briefings, the Chief of Staff ensures that the Deputy Administrator remains informed on all critical operational developments. This role involves constant collaboration with division heads to align administrative support with the agency's veterinary health objectives. Through the implementation of efficient management systems, the Chief of Staff enhances the productivity of the veterinary services leadership. By streamlining internal communication, the Chief of Staff supports the agency's mission to protect animal health and agricultural interests. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the operational focus of the veterinary services division while ensuring that all administrative functions support the broader strategic goals of the agency.

Kira Wagner, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, supports the executive office by managing internal projects and facilitating cross-functional collaboration. Kira Wagner directs the implementation of administrative policies that improve organizational efficiency across the agency. By overseeing the coordination of special initiatives, the Deputy Chief of Staff ensures that all departmental activities remain aligned with the agency's core mission. This role involves constant interaction with senior leadership to address operational bottlenecks and refine management processes. Through the application of rigorous project management techniques, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the agency's ability to execute complex government programs. By fostering a culture of operational excellence, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the agency's commitment to public service. This leadership position remains essential for maintaining the structural integrity of the executive office while ensuring that all administrative functions contribute to the overall success of the organization.

Angela Messinger, the Deputy Chief of Staff at Aphis, manages the administrative and operational support functions that enable the agency to fulfill its government mandate. Angela Messinger directs the development of internal communication strategies that ensure all staff members remain aligned with organizational goals. By overseeing the coordination of executive priorities, the Deputy Chief of Staff facilitates the smooth execution of agency-wide programs. This role involves constant collaboration with other C-suite leaders to address operational challenges and optimize resource utilization. Through the implementation of effective management practices, the Deputy Chief of Staff enhances the agency's ability to respond to regulatory demands. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the Deputy Chief of Staff supports the agency's mission to protect agricultural interests. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the operational focus of the executive office while ensuring that all administrative functions support the broader strategic objectives of the organization.

Sean Blount, the Deputy Chief Information Officer, Acting MRP-ITD at Aphis, directs the information technology infrastructure that supports the agency's government operations. Sean Blount architects secure digital systems that manage critical data for agricultural programs and regulatory oversight. By overseeing the modernization of IT platforms, the Deputy Chief Information Officer ensures that the agency maintains a robust technological foundation for all mission-critical activities. This role involves constant interaction with the executive team to align IT investments with the agency's strategic goals. Through the implementation of advanced cybersecurity protocols, the Deputy Chief Information Officer protects sensitive information and ensures the continuity of digital services. By optimizing IT resource management, the Deputy Chief Information Officer supports the agency's ability to process data efficiently and respond to emerging technological needs. This leadership position remains essential for maintaining the digital readiness of the agency while supporting the broader mission of the organization.

Susan Shriner, the Chief of Staff, Animal Care at Aphis, manages the administrative and strategic operations for the animal care division. Susan Shriner directs the coordination of regulatory programs that ensure the humane treatment of animals under federal oversight. By overseeing the administrative support for animal care initiatives, the Chief of Staff ensures that all division activities remain aligned with national welfare standards. This role involves constant collaboration with division leadership to refine policy implementation and monitor program effectiveness. Through the application of rigorous management practices, the Chief of Staff enhances the agency's ability to enforce animal care regulations. By optimizing internal resource allocation, the Chief of Staff supports the agency's mission to protect animal welfare and agricultural integrity. This leadership position remains vital for maintaining the operational focus of the animal care division while ensuring that all administrative functions support the broader strategic goals of the agency.