Veterinary businesses and companies play a critical role in protecting the health of pets and striking a balance between medical expertise, compassionate care, innovative technology, and effective management. Outstanding leadership in the veterinary industry has a significant impact on the standard of pet care and contributes to the professional development of your team. By fostering a culture of evolution and staying abreast of the latest advances in veterinary medicine, industry leaders have created an environment that ensures continued standards and quality in pet healthcare.
Recently, various veterinary companies and organizations have announced new promotions and appointments. Some of the people who have achieved career advancement include:
Karen Klein, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), 2024-2025 NAVC Board Chair
Karen Klein, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), has officially begun her term as North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) Board President for 2024-2025. Mr. Klein was welcomed by NAVC at the annual Veterinary Medical Conference & Expo event in Orlando, Florida. , last month. Mr. Klein served on NAVC's Board of Directors for six years before taking over the position from former DVM President Bob Lester.1
Prior to his new role, he served as Medical Director at VCA Northwest Veterinary Specialists in Clackamas, Oregon from 2019 to 2024. She has been a practicing veterinarian for her 35 years and also a board certified neurologist for 30 years.1
“VMX 2024 is an exciting time for all participants from around the world,” Klein said in a news release. It was a great experience for me.” “This is an exciting start to 2024. It was truly a show of shows, and we look forward to continuing that energy and innovation this year and throughout his tenure as NAVC Board Chair.” I am.”1
Carol G. Ryan, DVM, Michael P. Lent, DVM, AVMA Board of Directors
Carol G. Ryan, DVM, and Michael P. Lent, DVM, both ran unopposed for two open seats, and were elected to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Board of Directors earlier this month. Mr. Ryan will oversee District 7, which is comprised of AVMA members from Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota. Lent will be in charge of the 9th District, representing Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Utah. Both terms will officially begin in June during the 2024 AVMA Convention in Austin, Texas, and both directors will serve a six-year term through 2030.2
Michael P. Lent, DVM. (Both images courtesy of AVMA)
According to the AVMA, Ryan is described as a mixed animal practitioner and a partner owner of two Troy and Wentzville veterinary clinics in Missouri. “I have been involved in organized veterinary medicine since graduating from veterinary school in 1992. I have volunteered many hours on more committees than I ever had,” Ryan said. said in a release. “My passion has been focused on teaching pre-veterinary and pre-veterinary students for over 30 years. I respect those who work with me, and I want to continue that enthusiasm that makes our profession shine.”2
Lent is a small animal practitioner at Pantano Animal Clinic in Tucson, Arizona, where he also serves as the clinic's medical director. “Participating in organized veterinary medicine has allowed me to grow as a person and as a veterinarian by serving and representing others. I have made lifelong friends and mentors. I was very fortunate to have been blessed with it and I always feel like I got more out of the experience than I could have,” Lent said. “I was challenged to look at problems from different perspectives and learned a lot about aspects of the profession I love that I would never have known about otherwise. I also learned a lot about aspects of the profession I love that I wouldn’t have known about otherwise. That’s when I feel the closest and most connected to my colleagues in this industry.”2
Holly May, Chief Human Resources Officer, Petco
Holly Mae has been named Chief Human Resources Officer for Petco Health and Wellness Company, where she is currently focused on achieving both profitable growth and business performance while maintaining Petco's mission to empower wellness. I am tasked with developing the company's human resources strategy. About pets.3
May joins the Petco team with 20 years of experience in human resources, most recently as EVP and global chief human resources officer for Walgreens Boots Alliance.3
“It was an honor to meet many of our Petco partners this past week and observe first-hand their passion for caring for pets and pet parents,” May said in a news release. “I look forward to helping this high-impact team further leverage its passion to drive both personal and business growth across the organization.”3
João Marcelo Gómez, President of Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health – EMENA
After nearly 30 years at Kemin Industries, João Marcelo Gómez has been appointed President of Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health – EMENA (Europe, Middle East and North Africa). Gomez has previously served as President of Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health and President of Kemin Food Technologies – EMEA in the South America division.Four Mr. Gomez will be responsible for strengthening sales, marketing and business development for the animal nutrition and health company.
“I am eager to join the EMENA region and continue the team’s success, execute Kemin’s growth strategy and collaborate to take the business to the next level,” Gomez said in a company release. . “Over the past few years, Kemin has invested significantly in the EMENA region for new production sites, innovative technology and local expertise to support our customers. We continue to focus on , feed conservation and animal productivity,” delivering cost savings while investing in efficiency and progress toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. ”Four
Aaron Schacht, Gallant Therapeutics Board of Directors
Aaron Schacht has been added to the board of directors of Gallant Therapeutics, an animal health biotechnology company pioneering off-the-shelf stem cell therapies for pets. Mr. Schacht previously held positions at BiomEdit, Elanco and Eli Lilly, and came to Gallant Therapeutics as the company grew toward conditional FDA approval of its invention.Five
“The field of animal health is in desperate need of innovative solutions to address pet health concerns. Developing 'off-the-shelf' cell therapies to ameliorate disease,” Aaron Schacht said in the release. Gallant's pioneering approach fills a needed gap.” “In our industry, we look forward to supporting the Gallant team’s efforts to drive the evolution of the industry by bringing new types of treatments to market.”Five
References
- NAVC welcomes Karen Klein, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), as its 2024-2025 Board Chair. news release. North American Veterinary Community. February 8, 2024. Accessed February 16, 2024.
- Ryan, Lent, has been elected to the AVMA Board of Directors. news release. American Veterinary Medical Association. February 5, 2024. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/ryan-lent-elected-avma-board-directors
- Petco has named Holly May as chief human resources officer. news release. Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc., February 13, 2024. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/petco-names-holly-may-as-chief-human-resources-officer -302060097.html
- João Marcelo Gómez has been appointed President of Kemin Animal Nutrition and Health – EMENA. news release. Kemin Industries. January 29, 2024. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/joao-marcelo-gomes-named-president-of-kemin-animal-nutrition-and-health–emena- 302046373.html
- Gallant Therapeutics has added Aaron Schacht, director of animal health, to its board of directors. news release. Gallant Therapeutics. February 6, 2024. Accessed February 16, 2024. https://www.globenewswire.com/en/news-release/2024/02/06/2824305/0/en/Gallant-Therapeutics-Adds-Animal-Health-Executive – Aaron Schacht to the Board of Directors.html