Marla is a Senior Regulatory Policy Specialist for Plant Protection and Quarantine and works on many programs covered by the Plants for Planting team. She brings a variety of expertise from her 29-year career with APHIS. Prior to this position, Marla worked as a National Operations Manager for PPQ Field Operations, leading program such as Plant Inspection Stations, Identification Services, Q37/NAPPRA, and various Agriculture Quarantine Inspection issues. Marla started her career with USDA in 1996 as a PPQ Officer inspecting passengers and cargo in both El Paso and Dallas, TX. In 2001, she accepted the position of Smuggling Interdiction and Trade Compliance officer for PPQ, covering Montana, Idaho, and Northern border trade compliance operations. In November 2004, she moved to Fort Collins, CO where she served as a Western Region Program Manager, a position which later transformed into National Operations Manager. Prior to coming to USDA, Marla worked as a Research Technician with University of Nebraska-Lincoln, served as editor of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup, and worked as the Horticulture Assistant at the Texas Agricultural Extension Service in El Paso, TX where she coordinated the Master Gardener Program, provided education on plant health and worked with researchers on several variety trials. She is a native of Casper, WY and attended Casper College prior to transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She graduated from UNL in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with emphasis in communications and education. Marla enjoys spending time with her family and friends, camping and fishing, volunteering in the community, and supporting her children in various activities.