AHI Welcomes Dr. Ellen J. Hart as Vice President of Regulatory and International Affairs
Washington, D.C. — April 6, 2026 — The Animal Health Institute (AHI) today announced that Ellen J. Hart, DVM, has joined the organization as Vice President of Regulatory and International Affairs. In her role, Dr. Hart will lead the industry’s regulatory reform effort, coordinate industry’s efforts in anticipation of the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFA) reauthorization, and guide industry’s work with international bodies to implement risk-based standards.
“We are thrilled to have Ellen joining our team,” said AHI CEO, Martha Scott Poindexter. “Her experience and expertise will be invaluable as we collaborate with U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine to bring reform and stimulate innovation in animal health.”
Dr. Hart brings more than a decade of experience advancing science-based regulatory policy and international collaboration in animal health. She joins AHI from the Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM), where she most recently served as Director of International Programs and Outreach.
“Dr. Hart’s deep regulatory expertise and practical understanding of animal health make her an outstanding addition to AHI at a pivotal time for our industry,” said Poindexter. “ADUFA reauthorization is essential to maintaining a strong, predictable review process that supports innovation in animal medicines.”
ADUFA enables the FDA to work efficiently with animal health companies to review and approve new animal medicines. Reauthorization ensures that the FDA has the resources and modern tools needed to evaluate innovative products that improve animal health and welfare.
For farmers and ranchers, timely access to safe and effective animal medicines supports healthier livestock, improved productivity, and a more secure food supply. For families, strong animal health systems help protect the safety of the nation’s food, support affordable protein production, and ensure pets and companion animals can benefit from cutting-edge veterinary treatments.
“ADUFA has been a cornerstone of progress in animal health, helping bring forward the medicines and technologies that veterinarians and producers rely on every day,” said Dr. Ellen J. Hart. “I am honored to join AHI at such an important moment. My goal is to help ensure that the regulatory system remains science-based, predictable, and responsive—so that innovators can continue developing solutions that protect animal health, support farmers, and serve families across the country.”
During her tenure at the CVM, Dr. Hart led international regulatory engagement and strategy, representing U.S. interests in global standard-setting bodies, including the World Organization for Animal Health. Dr. Hart also played a key leadership role in national preparedness efforts, including enabling and implementing the first use of the Emergency Use Authorization pathway for animal drugs—an important milestone in strengthening the nation’s response capabilities during emergencies affecting animal health and food production.
Earlier in her career, Dr. Hart practiced as a mixed-animal veterinarian in California, providing care to both companion and food-producing animals. She also led veterinary response efforts during a major wildfire evacuation, experience that continues to inform her practical, collaborative approach to regulatory policy.
Originally from Iowa, Dr. Hart earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology from the University of Wyoming and her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University.
