APHIS Leadership Retirement and Appointments

APHIS Leadership Updates

Print Dear APHIS Partners and Stakeholders,

We are sharing several important leadership updates within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

Michelle Wenberg Retires as Associate Administrator
After 38 years of federal service, Associate Administrator Michelle Wenberg is retiring from APHIS. Ms. Wenberg began as a student intern and went on to serve in key leadership positions across the Agency. She served as APHIS Budget Officer from 2005 to 2019, Deputy Administrator for Policy and Program Development (PPD), and since 2024 as Associate Administrator.

Ms. Wenberg’s leadership in budget formulation, strategic planning, program assessments, regulatory development, and economic and risk analysis has played a central role in shaping many of the policies, regulations, and program decisions that affect our state and industry partners. Her portfolio will be distributed among the current executive leaders in the Office of the Administrator to ensure continuity of service and support.

We extend our sincere appreciation for her decades of partnership-focused leadership.

Matthew Rhoads Appointed Deputy Administrator for Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ)
APHIS is pleased to announce that Matthew Rhoads has been appointed Deputy Administrator for PPQ, after serving as Acting Deputy Administrator since May 2025. With nearly three decades of experience within APHIS, Mr. Rhoads brings deep familiarity with plant health safeguarding, safe trade, and the broad stakeholder community engaged in these issues. His background includes executive leadership of import policy, pest exclusion, offshore programs, and coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection on the Agricultural Quarantine Inspection Program.

Hallie Zimmers Appointed Deputy Administrator for Emergency and Regulatory Compliance Services (ERCS)
We are also pleased to announce that Hallie Zimmers has been selected as Deputy Administrator for ERCS, after serving as Acting Deputy Administrator for the program. Hallie previously served as ERCS’ Associate Deputy Administrator and as the APHIS Advisor for State and Stakeholder Relations. Her experience working directly with state partners, national associations, and agricultural industries—paired with her program leadership—is a strong foundation for advancing APHIS’ emergency response and regulatory compliance mission.

Please join us in recognizing Ms. Wenberg’s outstanding career and congratulating Mr. Rhoads and Ms. Zimmers on their new leadership roles. We look forward to continued partnership in support of U.S. agriculture.

Thank you,

Kelly Moore
Acting APHIS Administrator