CDFA Names New Leadership in Animal Health and Food Safety Services Branch
The California Department of Food and Agriculture has appointed two longtime leaders to key roles in its Animal Health and Food Safety Services Division. Stephen Beam will serve as director of AHFSS, and Amanda “Mandy” Murray will begin the new year as California’s acting state veterinarian. Both have extensive experience serving California’s livestock, poultry and dairy producers.
Beam holds Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in animal science from the University of Nevada, Reno, and a Ph.D. in physiology of reproduction (animal science) from Cornell University. After a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of California, Davis, focused on livestock stem cell research, he joined CDFA in 1999. He has managed complex statewide programs in both AHFSS and the Division of Inspection Services. As branch chief of the Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch, he oversaw California’s statewide milk inspection program for more than 20 years. His work with industry and with local, state and federal partners in responding to food safety incidents has earned three Leveraging Collaboration Awards from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. He has also represented CDFA nationally on bird flu surveillance strategies and nationwide milk testing plans to help ensure the safety of the milk supply.
Murray joined the AHFSS Animal Health Branch in 2017, first supervising the Animal Disease Traceability and Secure Food Supply Programs, then serving as assistant branch chief in 2021 and branch chief in 2023. She previously worked at UC Davis’ Western Institute for Food Safety and Security, collaborating with FDA, U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Homeland Security on food safety and animal issues during disasters. Raised on a small farm in Marin County, she developed an early passion for animal health. Murray holds a master’s degree in preventive veterinary medicine and a Ph.D. in comparative pathology and epidemiology, and began her public policy work as a science fellow in the California Legislature. Throughout her career, she has focused on balancing sound science with practical, workable solutions.
Staff contact: Steven Fenaroli, sfenaroli@cfbf.com.
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