Dr. Mark Roozen will join the Kentucky Department of Agriculture in December

FRANKFORT (Nov. 28, 2023) - The Kentucky State Board of Agriculture (SBOA) has unanimously approved Dr. Mark Roozen to serve as the new Deputy State Veterinarian at the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA).

“Today’s announcement is great news for the Kentucky agriculture community,” said Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles, who serves as SBOA chairman. “Bringing Dr. Roozen’s vast experience onboard is one more way we are protecting Kentucky residents by ensuring we have a top-notch team to keep our agricultural animals safe and healthy.”

The Deputy State Veterinarian serves alongside the State Veterinarian and together they lead the KDA’s Office of State Veterinarian in its statutory and regulatory activities to prevent, control, and eradicate communicable diseases in the agricultural animal health sector. Dr. Roozen’s nomination for the role came from State Veterinarian Dr. Steve Velasco.

“When I first met Dr. Roozen his dedication to veterinarians and the agriculture community was immediately recognized,” Dr. Velasco said. “His unique background and experience are a welcome addition to our already impressive team. We are eager to get him onboard and continue the work our office does for animal and public health.”

In his role as Deputy State Veterinarian, Dr. Roozen will oversee statutory enforcement and regulatory investigation activities at the KDA, focusing on preventing, controlling, and eradicating communicable diseases in the agricultural animal health sector.

"I want to express my gratitude to Commissioner Ryan Quarles and the Kentucky State Board of Agriculture for this esteemed appointment,” Dr. Roozen said. “I eagerly anticipate collaborating with State Veterinarian, Dr. Steve Velasco, and providing support for such a crucial aspect of the commonwealth's agriculture community. Protecting the health and welfare of the animals in Kentucky is paramount."

Dr. Roozen, of Lexington, is an experienced international veterinary business advisor for the veterinary industry. He is the owner and web developer for Pro 360 Thoroughbred, which is an online facility for the thoroughbred industry. He is an independent business advisor with Roozen Strategy, where he specializes in providing guidance to new veterinary practitioners as they start their careers. He also offers advice and support to established practice owners and solo practitioners seeking to enhance their business strategies and development.

Before embarking on the consulting world, Dr. Roozen owned and operated a solo veterinary practice, Roozen Veterinary Hospital, in Millersburg, and was the chief executive officer for the Woodford Equine Hospital in Versailles.

Dr. Roozen, a graduate of the University of Florida with a background in Large and Small Animal Veterinary Medicine and an MBA from the University of Kentucky, brings a blend of medical and business experience to his new role. He will join KDA in December.