Amid revamped food safety efforts, FSIS introduced new organization leadership changes, headlined by Dr. Justin Ransom being sworn in as a presidential appointment to serve as FSIS Administrator, according to the agency’s July 18 Constituent Update. FSIS says Ransom assumed leadership on Jul 14.
Ransom’s role entails overseeing FSIS’s mission to ensure the safety, wholesomeness, and proper labeling of America’s commercial supply of meat, poultry, and processed egg products. The agency says Ransom will help in leading modernization efforts, streamlining inspection systems, strengthening public health protections, and advancing science-based policies. The 20-plus-year food safety professional has held leadership positions in companies including Tyson Foods, McDonald’s, and OSI.
Moreover, FSIS says Dr. Denise Eblen will serve in the Office of the Administrator as Deputy Administrator.
Other leadership role changes span the Office of Field Operations (OFO), Office of Investor Education and Advocacy (OIEA), and the Office of Public Health and Science (OPHS), per the agency’s release:
- Melissa Moore has resumed the role of Acting Assistant Administrator (AA) for OFO, transitioning from her previous role as OFO Deputy AA (DAA).
- Karen Hunter now serves as Acting DAA for OFO, further drawing upon experience from her role as an OFO Executive Associate for Regulatory Operations (EARO).
- William Griffin remains an Acting DAA for OFO. He previously served as an EARO with OFO and District Manager (DM) of the Alameda District.
- Robert Bane continues as an EARO overseeing the Springdale and Dallas Districts.
- Dr. Sheryl Shaw will continue as FSIS’ Chief Public Health Veterinarian while serving in a new role as an Acting EARO overseeing the Des Moines District.
- Dr. Soumaya Tohamy now serves as Acting EARO overseeing the Chicago District. Tohamy previously served as Acting AA for OIEA, AA for the Office of Employee Experience and Development, and held other leadership roles within the agency.
- Dr. Gabby Eddings has assumed the role of Acting EARO overseeing the Alameda and Denver Districts. Eddings has served as the Alameda District DM since 2024.
- Dr. Phyllis Adams is now Acting EARO overseeing the Atlanta and Raleigh Districts, transitioning from her role as Atlanta District DM.
- Dr. Damon Ranftle now serves as Acting EARO and oversees the Philadelphia District and FSIS’ national humane handling enforcement coordination. Ranftle has held multiple leadership roles in over 25 years with FSIS, including SPHV Frontline Supervisor, Enforcement Investigation and Analysis Officer, Jackson District DDM and Office of Planning, and Analysis and Risk Management DAA.
- Dr. Hany Sidrak now serves as Acting AA for OIEA. Sidrak previously served as Most OFO’s DAA and Acting AA.
- Lastly, Dr. Joanna Zablotsky-Kufel has assumed the role of Acting DAA for OPHS. Zablotsky-Kufel has been an OPHS Director since 2019 and serves on steering committees for two key interagency analytics collaborations.
