Dr. Hala Bessyoung
Dr. Hala Bessyoung was named deputy assistant administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service’s (FSIS) Office of Employee Experience and Development (OEED) in December 2024. OEED is responsible for the formulation, development and delivery of all employee development, education and training programs that support the FSIS’ public health mission and enhance employee engagement within the agency. In collaboration with the assistant administrator, she supports the planning and managing of overall policies and programs for the FSIS’ workforce training, education, and development needs.
By ensuring that agency employees are trained to protect public health and prevent foodborne illness, she demonstrates a commitment to the successful implementation of FSIS’ Strategic Goals — Goal 1: Prevent Foodborne Illness and Protect Public Health; Goal 2: Transform Inspection Strategies, Policies and Scientific Approaches to Improve Public Health; and Goal 3: Achieve Operational Excellence.
Dr. Bessyoung previously served as the training operation branch chief for the Center for Learning within OEED, from June 2019 to December 2024. She managed day-to-day training for operational needs. A major achievement was managing the development and execution of all refresher courses. Other roles held during her tenure at FSIS include supervisory public health veterinarian and inspector in charge of a livestock establishment in Florida.
Dr. Bessyoung earned her doctorate equivalent degree in veterinary medicine from Cairo University in Egypt. She also holds a master’s degree in public health from Concordia University Nebraska in Nebraska.