SALEM – Oregon Department of Agriculture Director Katy Coba has announced the promotion of Brad LeaMaster as State Veterinarian effective April 15. LeaMaster succeeds Andrew Clark, who is returning to Eastern Oregon as a field veterinarian after serving as State Veterinarian for the past seven years.

“We are fortunate to have someone of Dr. LeaMaster’s experience and expertise to step right in and carry on such an important responsibility,” said Coba. “Dr. LeaMaster has helped ODA successfully work with livestock groups and others to protect animals, the agriculture industry, and the general public from harmful animal diseases. We are also appreciative of the great work Dr. Clark has provided ODA and Oregon agriculture. The opportunity for him to return to his family and home in Pendleton was too great to pass up.”

LeaMaster, 50, received his degree in veterinary medicine from Washington State University and has worked as a veterinarian for the past 21 years. His work experience includes five years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service where he was a stationed at a sheep research facility in Idaho. He was also veterinary extension specialist at the University of Hawaii for eight years prior to joining ODA as a field veterinarian in 1999.

LeaMaster’s hometown is Baker City. He received undergraduate degrees at Eastern Oregon College in La Grande as well as WSU. He also received a masters degree in animal nutrition at Oregon State University and a doctorate in microbiology at University of Hawaii.

The State Veterinarian’s office monitors infectious animal diseases in Oregon and maintains disease control plans throughout the state.

For more information, see the Web site www.oda.state.or.us.