Dee Ellis, DVM, has been named Texas' new state veterinarian and executive director of the Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC), the state's livestock and poultry health regulatory agency. Ellis will replace Bob Hillman, DVM, who will retire December 31 after serving in livestock and poultry health leadership capacities for more than three decades and as Texas' state veterinarian nearly seven years. The 13 governor-appointed TAHC commissioners, representing the public, livestock and poultry industries, announced Ellis' selection at the TAHC commission meeting in Austin Tuesday, Dec. 8.

"I am confident that Dr. Dee Ellis will be a fine state veterinarian and TAHC executive director. For five years, Dr. Ellis has served as the TAHC assistant state veterinarian, and his work ethic, abilities, training, and qualifications are exemplary," said TAHC Chairman Ernie Morales of Devine, who also represents the feedlot industry on the 13-member commission.

Ellis, originally from Comanche, was raised with a farming and dairy background. While completing his animal science degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) in San Marcos, Ellis worked as a TAHC animal health inspector.

In 1984, Ellis obtained his doctorate of veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University, and practiced as an associate veterinarian in Gonzales. He returned to the TAHC as a field veterinarian in Wharton during some of the toughest battles to eradicate cattle brucellosis. Recognized for his leadership and innovation, Ellis was promoted in 1986 to area director for Central Texas, a position he held for 18 years. In 2002, Ellis completed a master's degree in Public Administration from Texas State University