APHIS Leadership
Christine Zakarka is the Deputy Administrator of Policy and Program Development (PPD) for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS). She provides leadership for the overall planning and directions of policies, programs and activities at APHIS. She is also responsible for the Agency’s budget, regulation development and environmental compliance programs.
Prior to her recent appointment, Ms. 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. Ms. Zakarka has also held numerous other positions in APHIS, including as a Manager of Information Technology Planning and as an Employee Development Specialist. She 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 in Ames, Iowa, and most recently, Acting Assistant Human Resources Director.
Ms. Zakarka obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning from Fordham University and her Masters degree from University of Maryland University College.