WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Pork Producers Council has named Dr. Daniel Kovich as assistant director of science and technology, focusing on food and feed safety and animal handling issues. Kovich, who begins his duties Nov. 17, will be located in NPPC’s Washington, D.C., office, reporting to NPPC Chief Veterinarian Dr. Liz Wagstrom.
Kovich comes to NPPC from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, where he managed state animal welfare and control programs, including animal control officer training and technical support, animal care inspection services, emergency animal sheltering and regulatory enforcement activity. He previously was staff veterinarian for animal health and welfare in the department’s Office of Veterinary Services and served as a foreign animal disease diagnostician.
Prior to working for the state of Virginia, Kovich served in the U.S. Public Health Service – attaining the rank of lieutenant – where he was detailed to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety Inspection Service as a supervisory public health veterinarian. He also worked as a research assistant for the University of Minnesota’s Center for Animal Health and Food Safety and for Iowa State University’s Department of Animal Science.
“Dr. Kovich brings considerable practical experience in and knowledge of animal health and welfare,” said Audrey Adamson, NPPC vice president of domestic policy issues. “I know he’ll be a tremendous asset to our public-policy team because of his work in food safety and animal welfare. On those issues, he adds to the depth NPPC already has with Dr. Wagstrom, our chief veterinarian.”
Kovich received a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Iowa State University and earned a master’s degree in public health and a doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Minnesota.
“NPPC is very pleased Dr. Kovich is joining our staff,” said NPPC CEO Neil Dierks. “His background, knowledge and skills make him a valuable resource for U.S. pork producers and the U.S. pork industry.”
Source: NPPC