The Minnesota Board of Animal Health is guided by a seven-member citizen board appointed by the governor. Board members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed. Under Minnesota Statutes, three of the board members must be practicing veterinarians, one of whom specializes in companion animals, and four of the board members must be livestock producers, one of whom must be from a federally recognized tribe.
The board members elect a president and vice-president and also annually appoint a veterinarian to serve as the state veterinarian and executive director of the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. The board meets quarterly. Board meeting notices are posted on the Board’s website and meetings are open to the public.
Board Members
Erica Sawatzke | Board President, Poultry Producer, Kensington
Peggy Anne Hawkins, DVM | Board Vice President, Veterinarian, Northfield
Jessica Koppien-Fox, DVM | Veterinarian, Marshall
Alex Stade | Cattle Producer, Prior Lake
Steve Neil | Livestock Producer, Northfield
Brandon Schafer | Livestock Producer, Goodhue
Abigail Maynard, DVM | Veterinarian Specializing in Companion Animals, St. Paul Park