WASHINGTON, Feb. 26, 2004 U.S. Department of Agriculture Undersecretary for Food Safety Elsa Murano today announced that Food Safety and Inspection Service Administrator Dr. Garry L. McKee has been named Science Advisor for the Technical Service Center in Omaha, Neb.

“We are pleased that Dr. McKee was selected to serve in this new position,” said Murano. “I commend the many contributions Dr. McKee has made as administrator, particularly improving inspector training.”

McKee chose to apply for the position in Nebraska to be geographically closer to his family. In his new position, McKee will provide scientific and public health guidance to the Technical Service Center staff. McKee was named FSIS Administrator in July 2002. During his tenure in Washington, D.C., McKee developed the first training program specific to an inspector’s assignment and regionalized training to make it more convenient for FSIS personnel. Prior to joining FSIS he served as director and cabinet secretary of the Wyoming Department of Health.

Murano also announced the selection of Dr. Barbara Masters, a veterinarian, as acting FSIS administrator until a permanent administrator is appointed.

"Dr. Masters brings a wealth of expertise and experience to this position, having served with the agency in a number of important roles,” Murano said. “Dr. Masters was instrumental in helping the Agency transition to the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) food safety system and she has a fundamental understanding of agency programs and policies.”

Masters is currently the Assistant Deputy Administrator for Field Operations. Her previous positions include Director of the Slaughter Operations Staff, Branch Chief in Processing Operations and a staff officer for the Slaughter Operations Staff and the Technology Transfer and Coordination Staff. She has also served as an Inspector-in-Charge in a livestock slaughter and processing establishment.

Dr. Masters earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Mississippi State University and served a Food Animal Internship at Kansas State University.

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