Al Almanza
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has named Al Almanza, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service administrator since 2007, as a deputy undersecretary for food safety, a newly created position, The Hagstrom Report has learned.

Food Safety Deputy Undersecretary Brian Ronholm, who was named acting undersecretary in December 2013 when Elisabeth Hagen left that post, remains in his position, USDA sources said.

Vilsack has not yet made a formal announcement of Almanza's appointment and there has been no statement on how Ronholm and Almanza will divide their duties. The Obama administration has not nominated an undersecretary to succeed Hagen.

Almanza began his FSIS career as a food inspector in a small slaughter plant in Dalhart, Texas, in 1978. According to his official biography, he moved up from that entry-level position to become labor management specialist and district manager of the agency’s Dallas district office before becoming administrator.

“Of course, I am honored to accept this position,” Almanza said in a statement to FSIS staff on Thursday. “After serving as the FSIS administrator for more than seven years, and working at FSIS for over 36 years, I understand the responsibility that comes with this position, and I have much respect for those who have served in that role.

“I plan to work side-by-side with Deputy Undersecretary Brian Ronholm, whom I have already worked very closely with over the last several years,” he said.

“I look forward to continuing my career with FSIS in this new capacity. Working with you to accomplish our food safety mission is a career I have dedicated my life to, as I know many of you have as well. Thank you for your support and for all you do every day to protect the health of the American public.”

No one has been named FSIS administrator to succeed Almanza.