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Ms. Terri Nintemann

Photo of Terri Nintemann, Deputy Administrator of Food Safety and Inspection Service, Office of the Administrator
Deputy Administrator
Office: Office of the Administrator Room: 331-E, Jamie Whitten Building

Terri Nintemann has served as deputy administrator for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) since April 2020. In collaboration with the administrator, Nintemann oversees FSIS’ public health mission and leads a dedicated team of employees. These efforts directly support the 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.

Nintemann has held several senior leadership roles in FSIS since she joined the agency in 2003. She most recently served as the acting deputy administrator from March 2020 to April 2020. Prior to this role, she was the assistant administrator for the Office of Policy and Program Development, leading the development of agency policies, including regulations, instructions to the field, and guidance to industry. Previously, Nintemann was the assistant administrator for the Office of Planning, Analysis and Risk Management and the Office of Public Affairs and Consumer Education.

In her career at FSIS, Nintemann spearheaded efforts to modernize the agency’s use of data, analytical tools and analysis and sharing of data with employees and stakeholders. She enhanced collaboration and strengthened partnerships at all levels. Nintemann also led and managed the FSIS enterprise governance process, a corporate approach to decision making, ensuring it continued to evolve as the process and structure matured.

Before joining FSIS, Nintemann was a professional staff member and legislative director for the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry. She also served as a legislative director in the House of Representatives and a legislative assistant in the U.S. Senate.

Nintemann’s passion for public service is rooted in her participation in FFA and 4-H as a young adult. She earned a Bachelor of Science in animal science and a minor in agricultural economics from the University of Minnesota.