New leadership begins at the Board of Animal Health

Saint 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:
Minnesota Board of Animal Health
animalhealth@state.mn.us

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