Gary Brickler, a native of southern Indiana, is currently the Director for District 6 of USDA APHIS Veterinary Services. The District is comprised of the 10 Western states and Pacific Territories. He received a B.S. from the University of Kentucky and a D.V.M. from Purdue University. Following graduation, Dr. Brickler practiced large animal medicine in Colorado for five years, before accepting a commission with Army and serving on active duty. He joined USDA as a Field Veterinary Medical Officer in Chino, CA. His career progression includes serving as Regional Specialist in Englewood, CO; Animal Care Regional Director in Tampa, FL and Minneapolis, MN; and Area Veterinarian for Washington and Alaska, and Area Veterinarian for California, Hawaii and Nevada. From 2006 through 2008 he was secunded to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome, Italy to establish and direct the Crisis Management Centre for Animal Health.