Melissa O’Dell (301) 734-5222
Angela Harless (202) 720-4623
CHRISTINE ZAKARKA NAMED DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR OF POLICY AND PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
WASHINGTON, June 10, 2008--Christine Zakarka has been named deputy administrator of the policy and program development (PPD) program in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
“Christine’s demonstration of leadership meshes perfectly with what we strive for here at APHIS,” said APHIS administrator, Cindy Smith. “I have no doubt that her reputation for excellence and objectivity, as well as her selfless dedication to the agency, will serve her well in this position.”
In her new role, Zakarka is responsible for the overall planning and direction of policies, programs and activities at APHIS. She also will be responsible for the agency’s budget, regulation development and environmental compliance programs.
Before accepting this position, Zakarka served since 2001 as chief of PPD’s planning, evaluation and monitoring staff. In that role, she was responsible for developing the agency’s strategic and operational plans, evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of APHIS programs and analyzing and improving business processes. Zakarka held other positions in APHIS as a manager of information technology planning and as an employee development specialist. She also has served on several temporary managerial details including acting director for the agency’s conflict prevention and management program, acting director of the national veterinary services laboratories and most recently, acting assistant director of human resources.
Christine Zakarka obtained her bachelor’s degree in urban planning from Fordham University and her masters from University of Maryland University College.
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