88S30494 CW-D
 
  By: González of El Paso H.R. No. 19
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Dr. Andy Schwartz is retiring as state veterinarian
  and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission in
  January 2024, drawing to a close an exceptional career with the
  agency spanning nearly three and a half decades; and
         WHEREAS, Andy Schwartz grew up on his family's farm in
  Priddy; he graduated from Tarleton State University with an animal
  agriculture degree, and he earned his doctor of veterinary medicine
  degree at the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and
  Biomedical Sciences; and
         WHEREAS, Early in his career, Dr. Schwartz gained valuable
  experience through his work at a mixed animal practice; in May 1990,
  he embarked on his tenure with TAHC as a field veterinarian, and he
  subsequently was promoted to the titles of region director, state
  epidemiologist, and assistant executive director; and
         WHEREAS, In 2016, Dr. Schwartz was named state veterinarian
  and executive director of TAHC; nationally recognized among
  regulatory veterinarians and policy makers, he has helped lead the
  effort to control such animal diseases as bovine and swine
  brucellosis and pseudorabies in commercial swine while playing a
  key role in the development and execution of response plans for a
  number of foreign animal diseases; under his direction, Texas has
  remained involved with the Scrapie Eradication and the Chronic
  Wasting Disease Management Programs, and he has guided multilevel
  responses to disease outbreaks; moreover, he helps direct the Texas
  Trichomoniasis Program, which improves the health and
  marketability of cattle; and
         WHEREAS, Retirement will afford Dr. Schwartz the opportunity
  to spend more time with his family, which includes his wife, Kathy,
  and his children and grandchildren; he also helps his mother care
  for her sheep and cattle on the family farm; and
         WHEREAS, A longtime leader in his field, Dr. Andy Schwartz
  has distinguished himself through his exemplary efforts in behalf
  of TAHC and the animal health and agriculture industries, and he may
  indeed reflect with pride on a job well done; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby congratulate Dr. Andy
  Schwartz on his retirement as state veterinarian and executive
  director of the Texas Animal Health Commission and extend to him
  sincere appreciation for his many years of outstanding service;
  and, be it further
         RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
  prepared for Dr. Schwartz as an expression of high regard by the
  Texas House of Representatives.