Dr. Damon Ranftle
Dr. Damon Ranftle was named the deputy assistant administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) Office of Planning, Analysis and Risk Management in April 2023. In collaboration with the assistant administrator, Dr. Ranftle is charged with developing an integrated analysis of food safety data that informs policy decisions and for providing executive leadership on strategic planning, internal controls, enterprise risk management and data analytics and visualization. These efforts directly support FSIS’ Strategic Goals: 1: Prevent Foodborne Illness and Protect Public Health; 2: Transform Inspection Strategies, Policies, and Scientific Approaches to Improve Public Health; and 3: Achieve Operational Excellence.
Dr. Damon Ranftle has held multiple leadership roles in the Office of Field Operations (OFO) since joining FSIS in 1999. Most recently, he directed and managed multiple regulatory operations as deputy district manager for the Jackson District which included an inspection team of approximately 900 employees with oversight for over 400 establishments. During this time, Dr. Ranftle led multiple inspection modernization activities; developed a data-focused approach to assessing inspection activities, effectiveness and trends; and was a liaison for multiple state inspection programs and other Federal agencies.
Dr. Ranftle was recognized for his contributions as chairperson for the OFO Workforce Investment Initiative Application Committee and its groundbreaking role in employee professional development with its direct support for Achieving Operational Excellence (Strategic Goal #3).
Previously, he was the Flowood, Mississippi frontline supervisor where he led multiple New Poultry Inspection System conversions and was a key leader in the inauguration and initial implementation of the FSIS catfish regulatory requirements in support of the 2008 and 2014 Farm Bills. Additionally within the Jackson District, he has served as a supervisory public health veterinarian in Alabama; an enforcement, investigation and analysis officer; and the district case specialist. Through all of Dr. Ranftle’s roles, he has exemplified his People First/Mission Always leadership approach with his passion for employee development, peer-to-peer coaching, worker safety initiatives and dedication to the food safety mission.
Prior to joining FSIS, Dr. Ranftle was an officer in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and was a staff sergeant in the 1/141st Field Artillery (Washington Artillery), New Orleans, Louisiana.
Dr. Ranftle holds a doctor of veterinary medicine degree and Bachelor of Science degree in wildlife and fisheries from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana.