Dr. Dawn Walters graduated from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2007 and launched her career in Phoenix, Arizona, as a small animal veterinarian specializing in small animal and exotic medicine. With over 15 years of dedicated service within FSIS-OFO, she transitioned to FSIS in 2010, seeking to maximize her impact in public service. Over the years, Dr. Walters has held numerous leadership roles in the Alameda District, including relief SPHV, EIAO, Acting DVMS, FLS, and currently DDM.

Dr. Walters plays a vital role in advancing USDA’s strategic objectives, policies, and procedures, and has served as a key liaison between industry and local government across Arizona, Nevada, and now California. Her commitment to excellence was recognized in 2023 with an Honorable Mention for the Administrators Award for Excellence in Customer Service. Additionally, Dr. Walters briefly worked as a Program Analyst with Office of International Coordination and has managed portfolios and international trade agreements involving diplomats from Central America, South America, and the Middle East.

Dr. Walters’ work is centered on operational excellence, building partnerships, and developing university pipelines to recruit future leaders in food safety. Outside of her professional life, Dr. Walters enjoys pairing food and wine with their husband, takes pride in being a mother and Girl Scout troop leader to her two daughters, and enjoys morning walk alongside her dog, Hollywood.