CPF President Bill Mattos and PEPA Executive Director Debbie Murdock receive the 2020 UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s Distinguished Service Award
California Poultry Federation (CPF) President Bill Mattos and Pacific Poultry and Egg Association (PEPA) Executive Director Debbie Murdock received the 2020 UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine’s Distinguished Service Award tonight.
This award honors individuals or organizations whose exemplary service to the school as volunteers, professionals or advocates has enriched the school’s programs and enhanced its teaching, research and/or service missions. Consideration is given to alumni, emeriti or friends who have made major contributions of time, leadership, financial or promotional support to further the mission of the school.
Presenting the award was Dean Michael D. Lairmore. ”You both have been exemplary representatives of our partnership with the California poultry and egg industry and ideal candidates for the award,” he said.
”Your work to partner with our School has allowed us to expand our faculty expertise and serve the poultry industry, protecting our food supply and contributing to our economy. Through this partnership we have been able to perform significant research on important diseases of poultry, and conduct evidence-based scientific studies on major threats to the poultry industry. Through this collaboration, we have been able to expand educational offerings to train the next generation of poultry veterinarians and scientists.” Both Mattos and Murdock credit the participation of their member companies that have funded a special faculty position, Dr. Rodrigo Gallardo, at the Veterinary School. He has served as a classroom professor as well as developing research projects that directly benefit the California poultry and egg industry. He also works very closely with companies supporting both the CPF and PEPA. The honor, presented at the Fall Faculty Reception, was presented virtually by Zoom due to the COVID pandemic.
