FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 2, 2016
New leadership begins at the Board of Animal Health
Dr. Beth Thompson becomes official State Veterinarian
ST. PAUL,
Minn. – The Minnesota Board of Animal Health
has named Dr. Beth Thompson as its new executive director and state
veterinarian. Thompson was selected by the five-member Board to succeed Dr.
Bill Hartmann, who is retiring after leading the agency for 15 years. Her first
effective day as the State Veterinarian and Executive Director of the Board is
June 2, 2016.
Thompson has served as an assistant director and senior
veterinarian since 2008. She holds both a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree
from the University of Minnesota Veterinary School and a Juris Doctor degree
from William Mitchell College of Law. Her work and expertise at the Board has
centered on pigs and the state’s swine industry. However, she has a broad
background in animal health and all aspects of animal and crop agriculture.
“My predecessor, Dr. Hartmann, set a strong example of how to lead this important
state agency, and his work will continue in many aspects. I’m excited to begin
and to lead the never ending effort to protect the health of Minnesota’s
domestic and farm animals,” said Thompson.
Thompson is the ninth executive director and first woman to
hold the position in the Board’s 113 year history. Executive directors are
appointed annually by the Board members. For details about other news and
events at the Board of Animal Health, visit www.bah.state.mn.us.
Contact:
Michael Crusan, Board of Animal Health Communications
651-201-6815, michael.crusan@state.mn.us
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