Scott Pfister, PhD, USDA—Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Beltsville, MD Dr. Scott Pfister serves as Director of the Division of Agricultural Select Agents and Toxins within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. In this role, he leads the agricultural component of the Federal Select Agent Program, overseeing regulatory oversight of laboratories that work with infectious biological select agents and toxins. His work focuses on ensuring that research and diagnostic activities involving high-consequence pathogens are conducted safely, securely, and in full compliance with federal regulations, supporting both national biosecurity and scientific advancement. With more than 35 years of experience in plant health and regulatory programs, Dr. Pfister has held leadership roles spanning field operations, policy development, and scientific methods advancement. His career has encompassed the full spectrum of plant protection activities, including safeguarding U.S. agriculture and natural resources from invasive pests and diseases. He has directed multidisciplinary scientific teams and guided strategic policy initiatives that strengthen regulatory frameworks and enhance emergency preparedness. Dr. Pfister holds a PhD in Natural Resources, a Master of Science in Plant Pathology, and a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. His academic training underpins a career dedicated to science-based regulation, environmental stewardship, and agricultural resilience. In addition to his civilian service, Dr. Pfister served for 25 years in the Army National Guard as a preventive medicine officer, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His combined scientific, regulatory, and leadership experience positions him as a respected voice in biosafety, biosecurity, and plant health protection at both national and international levels.