APHIS Leadership
Dr. John R. Clifford is the Deputy Administrator for APHIS’ Veterinary Services’ (VS) program. In this position, he provides leadership for safeguarding U.S. animal health.
Prior to becoming Deputy Administrator in May 2004, Dr. Clifford served as VS’ acting Deputy Administrator. He was the Associate Deputy Administrator National Animal Health and Policy program where he led VS’ efforts to protect, sustain, and improve productivity, marketability, and health of the nation’s animals, animal products, and biologics.
Dr. Clifford served as VS’ Assistant Deputy Administrator from 1997-2002. He also has extensive field experience. Since joining APHIS in 1985, Dr. Clifford has also served as the area veterinarian in charge in Ohio, West Virginia, Michigan, and Indiana; the National Health Monitoring System coordinator in Ohio; and the brucellosis epidemiologist and veterinary medical officer in Kentucky.
Before beginning his work with APHIS, Dr. Clifford was a private veterinarian in a mixed practice. He received his DVM and BS degrees in animal science from the University of Missouri.
A native of Kentucky, Dr. Clifford currently resides in Virginia with his wife, Sara.