Dr.  Andrew C. Hammond (Andy) has been in Federal service for 34 years.  He served two years in the U.S. Peace Corps (Philippines) and has served 32 years with the USDA, Agricultural Research Service (ARS).  He began his career in Beltsville, Maryland as a Research Animal Scientist, followed by 14 years as Research Leader of the Subtropical Agricultural Research Station, Brooksville, Florida.  In August 1998, he became the Assistant Area Director for the Pacific West Area and was located at Albany, California.  In August 2000, he was appointed Associate Area Director of the South Atlantic Area, stationed at Athens, Georgia.  In May, 2004, he transferred back to the Pacific West Area Office as Associate Area Director.  And in April 2008 he was named Pacific West Area Director.  Andy obtained his B.S. degree in Animal Science from Oregon State University and advanced degrees (M.S. and Ph.D.) in Nutrition from Washington State University.  Andy has been married to Renee for 39 years.  They have two sons, Andrew (33) and Matthew (31).