WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced that Kelly Moore has been selected as the permanent administrator of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), elevating her from the acting role she has held since February.

Moore leads the agency responsible for protecting the health and value of American agriculture and overseeing enforcement of several federal statutes, including the Horse Protection Act. APHIS also administers animal welfare programs, biotechnology regulations and efforts aimed at safeguarding the nation’s plant and animal resources.

Prior to assuming the acting administrator position, Moore served as acting chief operating officer for USDA’s Marketing and Regulatory Programs mission area and acting deputy administrator of Marketing and Regulatory Programs Business Services. She joined USDA in 2007 and has held a variety of leadership positions, including deputy chief operating officer, USDA head of contracting activity and deputy for procurement operations.

As administrator, Moore will oversee APHIS programs that affect a broad range of agricultural industries. In addition to its plant and animal health responsibilities, APHIS administers the Horse Protection Act and works with stakeholders across the country to implement and enforce federal regulations impacting the equine industry.

Moore succeeded longtime APHIS Administrator Dr. Michael Watson, who retired earlier this year after decades of service with the agency. Her appointment provides continuity in leadership for an agency whose decisions and policies continue to have a direct impact on the Tennessee Walking Horse industry and the broader equine community.