State veterinarian stepping down to serve in South Dakota

Dr. Beth Thompson, State Veterinarian and Board of Animal Health Executive Director, announced she is resigning from her position effective May 8, 2022. She accepted the state veterinarian position in her home state of South Dakota. Current Assistant Director, Dr. Linda Glaser will begin serving as Interim State Veterinarian on May 9, 2022.

“When the state veterinarian position opened up in my home state earlier this year, I decided to apply and see where things went,” said Dr. Beth Thompson. “I was offered the position earlier this month and accepted this opportunity to be closer to family and friends. Although I’m departing amidst the HPAI outbreak, our response is strong, and I leave this agency in very capable hands.”

During today’s quarterly Board of Animal Health meeting, Dr. Thompson notified the Board members of her resignation. The Board annually appoints a qualified veterinarian to serve in the position and Dr. Thompson was reappointed to serve until her resignation day, at which point, Dr. Glaser will become Interim State Veterinarian.

“Dr. Thompson was uniquely qualified for this position and her professionalism, experience and educational background will be greatly missed,” said Board President, Dean Compart. “Fortunately, she’ll continue to be involved in animal health in her new position. We are confident Dr. Glaser will continue carrying out the Board’s mission in the interim.”

The Board will announce an application period for the position in the coming weeks and will reconvene in a special meeting to interview qualified candidates to select the next state veterinarian.

--30--