Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Meghan Garcia

Loxahatchee Groves,FL

Summary

Versatile specialist with results-driven and focused approach to completing work. Skilled leader, planner and problem-solver with several-year career in the field. Known for excellent attention to detail and great work ethic.

Overview

1
1
Certification
18
18
years of professional experience

Work History

Animal Disease Specialist

Florida Department of Agriculture
Okeechobee, FL
10.2020 - Current

Collaborated with agricultural producers to educate and enforce agricultural laws governing livestock in Florida, monitoring current and emerging threats to livestock health.

Activated ESF-17 and SART responses for livestock during emergencies, implementing and enforcing quarantines alongside disease and biosecurity outreach efforts.

  • Analyzed agricultural data to support program development and decision-making.
  • Coordinated training sessions for staff on regulatory compliance and safety protocols.
  • Developed educational materials to promote agricultural best practices among stakeholders.

Owner/Trainer

Lotus Beach Farm
Loxahatchee, FL
05.2008 - Current
  • Equine breeder & former full time trainer coordinating students showing and participating in events in Hunters, Jumpers, Barrel Racing , harness and driving activities, extreme trail events coordination and judging.
  • Agricultural education outreach coordinating with South Florida Fair including student outreach and the embryology program in schools.

Agricultural Department Manager

The South Florida Fair
West Palm Beach, Florida
05.2019 - 07.2020
  • Managed daily operations for events at the annual South Florida Fair Agriplex including livestock shows, horse poultry and small animal shows.

  • Oversaw staff scheduling and training for all department personnel.
  • Coordinated logistics for livestock and vendor setup and breakdown during events.
  • Created year round programs for Agricultural Outreach and coordinated with producers and volunteers.
  • Ordered and monitored equipment and improvements to the department and facilities.

Animal Disease Inspector

Florida Department of Agriculture
Okeechobee, Florida
03.2018 - 05.2019

Animal Disease inspector; regulation and enforcement of biosecurity protocols and facilities and event inspections.

  • Collaborated with farmers to educate on proper agricultural practices.
  • Advised stakeholders on regulatory changes affecting agricultural operations.
  • Trained junior inspectors on best practices and inspection protocols.

Education

Cardinal Newman High School
West Palm Beach, Florida

Skills

  • Agricultural law compliance
  • Biosecurity protocols
  • Disease monitoring
  • Quarantine management
  • Animal husbandry
  • Certified in ICS deployed to multiple disaster events and was on the ESF-17 response team for Hurricanes Michael, Ian, Helene & Milton Operated the donation distribution area and coordinated with SART, Florida Cattlemen’s Association and NGO partners during storm response and ongoing recovery
  • Event coordination
  • Logistics planning
  • Staff training
  • Outreach programs
  • Project management
  • Client engagement
  • Problem solving
  • Effective communication
  • Team collaboration
  • Project management

Certification

  • ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, 800 certification
  • LECALE certified
  • Mental health first aid in Disaster Response Certified

Timeline

Animal Disease Specialist

Florida Department of Agriculture
10.2020 - Current

Agricultural Department Manager

The South Florida Fair
05.2019 - 07.2020

Animal Disease Inspector

Florida Department of Agriculture
03.2018 - 05.2019

Owner/Trainer

Lotus Beach Farm
05.2008 - Current

Cardinal Newman High School
Meghan Garcia