Dr. Woutrina Smith has been appointed as Executive Director of the One Health Institute (OHI) effective January 1, 2026, for a five-year term. As Executive Director, she will provide administrative leadership for the OHI and will guide its professional, academic, and business affairs. She replaces Dr. Michael Ziccardi, who has transitioned to Interim Director at the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center after Dr. Kirsten Gilardi’s retirement. Ziccardi led OHI for the past 5.5 years.

Dr. Smith is a Professor of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and the Associate Dean for Global Programs for the School of Veterinary Medicine. She previously served as an OHI Associate Director and was Director of the USAID One Health Workforce—Next Generation Project while simultaneously serving as Co-Director of the Planetary Health Center of Expertise for the UC Global Health Institute. In addition to her broad service roles, Dr. Smith is recognized internationally for her well-funded, globally impactful research spanning One Health, molecular epidemiology, and infectious diseases. Additionally, she has mentored numerous trainees and teaches in the professional and graduate degree programs. She was a recipient of the School’s Distinguished Teaching Award, and was also recently honored with the School’s highest recognition as one of the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award winners, receiving her DVM, MPVM, and PhD from UC Davis.