American Humane Association Names Doctor Of Veterinary Medicine Marion Garcia To Key Post As Chief Veterinary Officer

WASHINGTON, Sept. 3, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Humane Association, the country's oldest national humane organization, announced the appointment of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Marion Garcia to the post of Chief Veterinary Officer and Director of the Animal Welfare Research Institute, a key position in which she will influence research, policy and programs positively affecting hundreds of millions of animals.

Dr. Garcia, a Brigadier General in the U.S. Army Reserve, graduated from West Point, received her veterinary degree from Colorado State University, and earned a Master of Strategic Studies degree from the U.S. War College, where she was honored with an Excellence in Research Award. Over the years, she has used her leadership skills and expertise in animal health to serve both her country and animals in many nations. Dr. Garcia's veterinary career has been primarily in the field of farm animal medicine with extensive experience in the poultry industry. She has worked in key veterinary and executive roles for major poultry and cattle producers and has authored many scholarly papers, primarily on farm animal health and the elimination of disease. In her role as agricultural veterinarian, Dr. Garcia was responsible for designing and implementing health management programs, biosecurity programs, and animal welfare programs. She interacted with state and federal agencies in disease management and eradication programs, as well as regulatory policy development, and provided technical support and training for diverse audiences ranging from colleagues to farmers. 

Several years ago, Dr. Garcia made the career decision to turn her efforts in a broader direction. She accepted a six-month contract as Veterinary Advisor to the U.S. Department of Defense in Iraq and worked in the Anbar Province as part of a professional team to assess the state of agriculture in the region.  She later accepted a contract in support of training veterinary professionals in the Republic of Georgia.

Her service with the U.S. military is extensive and includes numerous assignments in key leadership positions such as  Chief of Staff and Deputy Commander for the largest Military Police (MP) Command within the U.S. Army Reserves (over 14,000 Soldiers); Company Commander for an MP Company in Somalia in support of Operation Restore Hope; Assistant Operations Officer for an MP Brigade in Southwest Asia in support of Operation Desert Storm; and Platoon leader for an MP platoon in Germany during the fall of the Berlin Wall and in Korea during the 1988 Olympic games. She continues to serve the United States today as an Army Reservist.

"I look forward to working with American Humane Association, and am confident that my professional skills will improve the lives of more animals than ever before," said Dr. Garcia. "I am excited about the opportunity to join this historic organization where I can continue to live out the veterinarian's oath 'to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge.'"

"Dr. Garcia has an exemplary record of service to community and country," said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of American Humane Association.  We are humbled to have someone of her passion and leadership join the battle to protect our most vulnerable."

American Humane Association's new Chief Veterinary Officer will begin her duties on November 1.

About American Humane Association

American Humane Association is the country's first national humane organization and the only one dedicated to protecting both children and animals. Since 1877, American Humane Association has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in protecting our most vulnerable from cruelty, abuse and neglect. Today we're also leading the way in understanding the human-animal bond and its role in therapy, medicine and society. American Humane Association reaches millions of people every day through groundbreaking research, education, training and services that span a wide network of organizations, agencies and businesses. You can help make a difference, too. Visit American Humane Association at www.americanhumane.org today.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO

SOURCE American Humane Association