Good leadership in veterinary medicine plays an important role in guiding practices and organizations towards achieving positive outcomes and maintaining a healthy and supportive work environment. Leaders are not only responsible for team management, but also for upholding high standards of patient care, ensuring the well-being of both pets and their owners. By managing resources and addressing challenges within the profession, these individuals can contribute to the overall health of their practices and organizations, as well as the well-being of animal patients.

Several veterinary businesses and organizations recently announced new promotions and appointments. The following individuals are among those taking on new roles:

Alastair Child, MA, chief sustainability officer, Mars, Incorporated

Alastair Child, MA, chief sustainability officer, Mars, Incorporated. (Photo courtesy of Mars, Incorporated)

Mars recently announced the appointment of Alastair Child, MA as its new chief sustainability officer. Child is currently the company’s vice president of global sustainability and will assume his new position on February 3, 2025.

In his new role, Alastair will be in charge of shaping Mars’ sustainability strategy, driving the company’s Net Zero goals as part of Mars’ broader Sustainable in a Generation Plan, according to Mars.

 He will oversee the execution of the company’s Net Zero Roadmap, which includes cutting emissions in half across the full value chain by 2030 and achieving Net Zero by 2050. As part of his new position, Child will oversee a team of 30 sustainability leaders and experts responsible for climate, coral restoration, community initiatives, packaging, and data analytics tasks.

“It's an honor to take on this role. With average global temperatures exceeding 1.5 °C above preindustrial levels for the first time in 2024, it is imperative that we continue to perform on our promises and in doing so prove that sustainability is good for business,” said Child in a Mars release.

 “I look forward to collaborating with our partners, Associates and stakeholders to ensure we continue to grow responsibly."

Meredith Daly, VMD, chief quality officer, Veterinary Emergency Group

Meredith Daly, VMD, has been appointed Veterinary Emergency Group’s (VEG) new chief quality officer, marking the position’s debut in veterinary medicine. In her new role, Daly manages a team of leaders and regional medical directors that focus on medical strategy, medical leadership development, clinical excellence, quality and patient safety, and medical initiative implementation in 90 VEG facilities throughout the country.

Daly has more than 20 years of clinical experience, is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care, and has been published in various academic journals and textbooks. Prior to her new role, she was VEG’s vice president of medical operations and quality.

“Becoming veterinary medicine's first chief quality officer provides me with a platform to share quality and patient safety best practices and key learnings from across our profession,” said Daly in a news release.

 “Speaking up about medical errors and sharing our patient safety success stories is fundamental to preventing future harm for our patients and our colleagues.”

Bob Riebe, chief operating and sales officer, BSM Partners

Bob Riebe, chief operating and sales officer, BSM Partners (Photo courtesy of BSM Partners)

BSM Partners, a pet care research, consulting, and product innovation company, has welcomed Bob Riebe as its chief operating and sales officer. As part of his new role, Riebe will spearhead and scale the BSM Partners’ growth and global business operations.

Riebe has 30 years of commercial experience with a history in sales, marketing, and supply chain roles. He was the Worldwide Director of Global Business Planning at Colgate-Palmolive, where he oversaw sales and operations planning, commercial analytics, and integrated business planning. In his last role, Riebe was an independent consultant within the CPG and beverage sectors.

“Bob is an accomplished business strategist and manager, and a perfect fit for the firm as we continue to expand our global footprint," Nate Thomas, co-founder and partner of BSM Partners, said in a company release.

Andrew Ciccolini, DVM, MA, medical director of companion animal spectrum of care services, Colorado State University

Andrew Ciccolini, DVM, MA, medical director of companion animal spectrum of care services, Colorado State University. (Photo courtesy of Colorado State University)

Joining the team at Colorado State University (CSU) is Andrew Ciccolini, DVM, MA, who was recently hired as the medical director for the university’s upcoming student-focused veterinary Primary Care Center for the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Currently under construction, the new center is expected to be completed in 2026.

With the aspiration to become a veterinarian from a young age, Ciccolini earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at The Ohio State University and joined the military as a member of the US Army Veterinary Corps after graduating. There, he looked after military working dogs and assisted in running veterinary clinics on military bases. According to a CSU report, Ciccolini worked in leadership roles and on public health and food security across the globe, including in Afghanistan, Africa, Eastern Europe, and South Korea, as well as in Washington state and Colorado during his time in the military.

In a report, CSU asked Ciccolini what excites him about working in his new position. “I really enjoy mentoring other veterinary professionals and helping them become the best versions of themselves,” he said in the report.4 “I’m really looking forward to that aspect of this, developing a program that will really help students be more prepared for private practice or just being a veterinarian in general. That’s really appealing to me. Teaching more spectrum of care is one of the main goals of this clinic, helping educate veterinarians on alternative options when finances are a challenge so that pets can receive quality care.”

Issiah Owens, director of animal health products, D.A.W Systems, Inc.

D.A.W. Systems, a veterinary prescription technology company recently appointed Issiah Owens as director of Animal Health Products. In his new position, Owens will lead the strategic growth and development of D.AW. Systems’ veterinary product portfolio. Owens’ previous roles include member of the executive leadership team at PetMeds Pharmacy and director of pharmacy operations. He also led efforts to optimize prescription workflows using innovative technologies.

"We are thrilled to welcome Issiah Owens to the D.A.W. Systems leadership team. His proven track record of innovation, strategic vision, and operational excellence will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our veterinary solutions and strengthen our partnerships within the veterinary and pharmacy communities.” Adam Forman, chief operating officer of D.A.W. Systems, said in a news release.

“D.A.W. Systems…has a legacy of transforming the human healthcare space with cutting-edge electronic prescribing solutions,” said Owens in the release.

“As someone deeply committed to advancing care for animals, I am honored and energized to lead this new division and bring that same game-changing impact to the animal health industry. Veterinary practices are spending far too much time approving faxed prescription requests and D.A.W. Systems aims to solve that issue by creating a unified platform for practices to approve all outside prescription requests."

Mars appoints Alastair Child as chief sustainability officer. News release. Mars, Incorporated. January 16, 2025. Accessed January 23, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mars-appoints-alastair-child-as-chief-sustainability-officer-302352670.html

Veterinary Emergency Group names Dr. Meredith Daly as first-ever chief quality officer. News release. Veterinary Emergency Group. January 13, 2025.

BSM Partners announces Bob Riebe as chief operating and sales officer. News release. BSM Partners. January 16, 2025. Accessed January 23, 2025. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bsm-partners-announces-bob-riebe-as-chief-operating-and-sales-officer-302352633.html

Outcalt C. CSU hires medical director for new veterinary Primary Care Center. Colorado State University. January 9, 2025. Accessed January 25, 2025. 

https://cvmbs.source.colostate.edu/csu-hires-medical-director-veterinary-primary-care-center/

D.A.W. Systems strengthens leadership to advance unified prescription approval portal & network for veterinarians. News release. D.A.W. Systems, Inc. January 9, 2025.

Articles

Check out the latest news in the veterinary industry with these 5 recent position promotions

Paws and profits: New leadership 

Kevin Costner, the Academy Award-winning actor, director, and producer, took center stage to deliver his keynote address and kickoff VMX 2025 in Orlando, Florida. Costner drew parallels between his life’s journey and the calling that drives the work of veterinary professionals with an inspiring speech about finding and embracing your purpose.

Costner began by reflecting on his career and the struggle to discover his path. He shared how his upbringing in a blue-collar family shaped his work ethic and worldview but left him searching for something deeper. “I was probably going to be a manual labor guy. I'm not that smart,” he said. “But I would play piano. I was raised in a church, [and] I sang in the choirs. I wrote poetry and I didn't tell anybody about that. I just did it. I don't know why.”

He continued: “At one point, I started getting a little desperate. I still hadn't [found my calling], but all I had to do was look back at the breadcrumbs of my life, and I started to understand that I was a storyteller, a daydreamer.”

This realization didn’t come easily. Costner spoke candidly about the challenges of aligning his passions with his professional life. Even after making it as an actor and becoming famous, he was determined to not less promises of money or success get in the way of his love for making art he felt strongly about. “I've used my own money to chase my own dreams,” he said. “Because once I found my heart, I wasn't going to let anybody take it away from me, no matter how much money was on the line.”

In “finding his heart,” Costner drew parallels to the veterinary profession, in which so many are driven to as a calling. In his eyes, it’s that passion and purpose that define a person.

“You come out of school, and they call you a vet,” he said. “[When] you’re an actor, you’re a bum on the corner until you start to make money. But I wasn't concerned about money as much as I was concerned about my journey. And when I knew and I admitted to myself that…I was going to be a storyteller, my life changed.”

Costner also acknowledged that following that passion is not an easy path. With it comes moments of doubt and immense pressure, especially when dealing with emotional situations involving animals and their owners. In a parallel between actors and veterinary professionals, he acknowledged that it’s even harder to stay strong when you’re under a microscope and people are counting on you, but persevering is worth it and what ultimately defines who are you: “People are watching you…For me, I have taken big bites out of life, and life has taken some really big bites out of me…Who cares about the easy moments? How are you in the toughest?”

On showing strength in the most difficult situations, one of the more poignant moments of Costner’s keynote came when he shared his personal experience of saying goodbye to a beloved pet. “There comes a moment when we know it’s the beginning of the end” he said. “I’ve had to put my dog down. There was one of 

, and I didn’t even know your name. You were sitting on the ground, on a blanket right beside me, watching me, even crying. [You were] a stranger that became important…That’s what you do. You’ve helped me, and I just thought you should know about it.”

Costner’s take-home message was that discovering and embracing your purpose requires self-reflection, hard work, and resilience. For veterinary professionals, their profound impact on the lives of others lies not just in their technical skills but in their compassion and ability to guide others through emotional moments, making their purpose a cornerstone of their professional and personal legacy.

Costner K. VMX Kickoff with Kevin Costner, Sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. Presented at: VMX 2025; January 25-29, 2025; Orlando, Florida

At VMX 2025, Kevin Costner shared heartfelt stories about animals, purpose, and perseverance in an inspiring opening-day keynote address

Kevin Costner at VMX 2025: Finding your heart

Tasha McNerney , BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesethia), discusses her upcoming VMX lecture that discusses some human medicine concepts that can be applied to animal health

Building an analgesic protocol

interview, Tasha McNerney, BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia), director of training and staff development at Mount Laurel Animal Hospital in New Jersey, and a founder of the Anesthesia Nerds organization, discusses her upcoming continuing education lecture for veterinary technicians at the 2025 Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida. She plans to address some human medicine concepts that can be applied to animal health with VMX attendees, during her talk. The session—

Practical Pain Management: More Than Opioids

—will be held 12 pm to 1 pm at the Rosen Centre. 

The following is a transcript of the video:

Tasha McNerney , BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia)

: At VMX, I am doing a 90-minute session on Sunday, [January 26, 2025], which is going to cover how can we build a good, solid analgesic protocol; an anesthetic protocol that is not going to rely heavily on opioids. Now, that's not to say 

, but we're going to use some of the concepts from the human medicine protocols, which is known as ERAS—enhanced recovery after surgery. And we're going to look at how can we use some of those protocols in our veterinary medicine cases and utilize less opioids; so things like, how can we prevent post-operative nausea and vomiting? How can we utilize more local anesthesia in our patients' protocols? How can we get away from just heavy use of opioids and look at things like more adjunctive analgesics and things that we can send home with our patients that are going to provide analgesia, again, without a heavy reliance on opioids. So, that's going to be the Sunday session.

Videos

In this CE session preview at VMX, Tasha McNerney , BS, CVT, CVPP, VTS (Anesthesia), discusses her upcoming lecture that discusses some human medicine concepts that can be applied to animal health

VetRec, an artificial intelligence (AI) assistant for veterinarians; and Bond Vet, a veterinary clinic group dedicated to improving the human-animal bond, recently announced a new collaboration. The partnership will combine VetRec’s technology with Bond Vet’s “modern approach” to veterinary medicine in an effort to improve pet care and the veterinary experience for pets and clients, according to both organizations.

VetRec uses AI to generate clinical notes for veterinarians. With its technology, the scribe can provide subjective, objective, assessment, and plan (SOAP) notes for veterinary practices. To use VetRec, veterinary professionals first record the consultation. After the session ends, VetRec processes the consultation while allowing veterinarians to create their own SOAP template or use one of VetRec’s built-in templates. After 30 seconds, the notes are ready for review and incorporation into practice management systems (PiMS).

The AI can summarize up to 1500 pages of patient history, including handwritten notes and lab results, according to VetRec.

 Additionally, professionals can use a built-in AI assistant for help with research tasks, questions, and more.

Founded in 2019, Bond Vet has more than 55 locations nationwide and offers wellness exams, vaccinations, specialty surgeries, dental cleanings, and more. “By integrating VetRec's proprietary AI technology, Bond Vet is set to further elevate its exceptional standard of care,” wrote Bond Vet and VetRec in a news release.

"Bond Vet is dedicated to delivering exceptional care available when owners need it most, delivered by a team that is healthy, happy, and empowered," Renee McDougall, DVM, MPH, DACVS (Small Animal), vice president of Bond Vet and head of medicine, said in the release.

 "VetRec's remarkable AI-powered technology enhances our ability to provide compassionate care by reducing administrative burdens, enabling our staff to focus on what truly matters—strengthening the human-animal bond."

According to Bond Vet and VetRec, VetRec’s AI has been used by the medical team at Bond Vet in 8000 clinical cases. The technology has transformed the way SOAP notes, discharge instructions, rDVM letters, and medical record summaries are created, the companies said.

"Technology should empower veterinary professionals, not replace their expertise," said David De Matheu, co-founder of VetRec said.

 "Our platform is designed to complement the skill and compassion of veterinarians by streamlining workflows and providing actionable insights, enabling providers like Bond Vet to scale their impact while maintaining the highest standards of care."

VetRec and Bond Vet partner to revolutionize veterinary care across 55+ locations. News release. VetRec and Bond Vet. January 22, 2025. Accessed January 24, 2025. 

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/vetrec-and-bond-vet-partner-to-revolutionize-veterinary-care-across-55-locations-302356621.html?tc=eml_cleartime

AI powered clinical notes for veterinarians. VetRec. Accessed January 24, 2025. 

Bond Vet and VetRec announced a new collaboration

Veterinary clinic group partners with AI veterinarian assistant, Bond Vet and VetRec to team up

Clinical year is the year veterinary school students all look forward to but are simultaneously terrified of. This is the time to apply what we learned, get a sneak peek at the doctors we are about to become, and develop habits that will follow us for years to come. The reality of clinical year sets in as we are getting our rotation schedules while questions and stress begin to brew in our minds. 

How do I prepare? What am I going to be asked to do? Will I know enough?

 Luckily, we have those who went before us to rely on to give us some insight on what to expect walking into clinics that first day.

Before walking into a clinic, you want to be as prepared as possible for anything that comes your way. We cannot predict everything, but we can set ourselves up for success with some important resources and planning. Prior to your first day, make sure you have all the necessities packed: notebook, lunch or snacks, water, and most importantly, your stethoscope!

Helpful resources can provide us with the support we need in clinics. Some student I talked to who are currently in their clinical year recommend these textbooks:

Ettinger’s Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine 

Along with these reading materials, your school’s library may have other specialty-specific textbooks. Primary literature and personal lecture notes can be key as well when discussing and researching specific topics that may be asked of you by your clinical advisor.

There have been several clinical resources that have become available to students and even clinicians that can be easily accessible while you are running around on the floor of your clinic. These can include:

Thompson’s Medical Differential Diagnosis

Dr Yin’s Small Animal Veterinary Nerdbook

Gwenevere Lockrey, a veterinary student at Western University, recommended reading relevant consensus statements and even outlining 5-10 of the most common pathologies associated with that specific specialty. These are all resources that will be crucial to have during your clinical year to maximize your efficiency, success, and they can even be beneficial for The North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) studying as well.

Establishing expectations and a line of communication with the doctors you will be working with is key in having a successful and smooth transition into clinical rotations. Ahead of rotation, it may be ideal to touch base with your point of contact to discuss what you may need to bring, attire requirements, and overall schedule expectations. This can ease first day jitters as it will give you an idea of what your day may look like. Each rotation may vary depending on how much hands-on experience you may get but it is crucial to have that discussion before diving deep into your clinics.

Morgan Brems, VMD, reflected on the importance for students to discuss their current skill sets and what competencies or specific tasks you may need accomplished. It is important to be proactive and be willing to help where needed but always be open about your comfort level and confidence on the tasks at hand.

Maintaining professionalism is vital as many of these doctors are future colleagues, so building a positive reputation can be helpful for the future. William Scherrer, DVM DACVS, has highlighted the importance of students being early: “if you can’t be on time, be early.” He recommended treating every client, pet, and staff interaction as if you are the consulting clinician, because soon enough, you will be. Many clinicians expect students to follow the pattern of asking for permission, NOT forgiveness. Remember that you are representing yourself as a future clinician as well as your school.

Your clinical year is a stressful one filled with new experiences and NAVLE anticipation. Many students start studying anywhere between 3-6 months prior to their anticipated date. The balance of clinics and studying can be challenging to maintain, and many clinical students have done board prep between appointments, assignments, or even on the way to their rotation destination. When it comes to diligently studying for boards, it is crucial to set daily goals and stay consistent, “have a schedule and stick to it,” stated Joseph Awada, a Western University veterinary student. Along with this it may be important to implement study breaks throughout your schedule.

Many students question the ability to implement self-care with constant schedule changes, on-call shifts, etc. Self-care is something that is critical in maintaining a positive mental and physical health status and performing your best in clinics. Scheduling these moments of self-care is a good way to make sure you fit them in—whether it is going to the gym, reading a book, or anything that brings you joy! Maintaining a somewhat normal routine is important to keep you feeling sane and maximizing your energy in clinics.

Although we are focused on what to prepare for clinics, textbooks to read, and our schedules, we must remember that clinics require more of us than just our intellectual knowledge. Clinics can be intimidating but "everyone has their own strengths and weaknesses, so don’t compare yourself to anybody but yourself,” said Katrina Billote, a student from Western University. It is easy to compare yourself, but it can be detrimental. Hannah Huff, a veterinary student at the University of Georgia, emphasizes the idea that becoming comfortable with admitting what you don’t know is key! You will not know everything, and clinicians will not expect you to.

As you brave your way into clinics in the upcoming years, remember: “never forget why you wanted to become a vet—this is the best job in the world, but it is absolutely a hard job,” said Scherrer. You can do this, and we cannot wait to welcome you as our future colleagues!

: Thank you to the following professionals who assisted with this article: Morgan Brems, VMD; Cecilia Wolf, DVM; 

William Scherrer, DVM, DACVS; Joseph Awada; Jacob Ruiz; Gwenevere Lockrey; Hannah Huff; Steph Yopp; Katrina Billote; and other fellow students.

 year Western University veterinary student from Maryland. She will be entering small animal general practice after her graduation in May. She is passionate about preventative medicine and providing health care to underserved communities. She has 2 cats of her own—Farley and Lincoln.

One of dvm360’s student ambassadors shares how veterinary students can prepare themselves for clinical year

How to survive and thrive in your clinical year

and login or create a free CE account and claim your credit after listening to this episode.

In this podcast, Dr. Michelle Evason will discuss topics related to spectrum of care and feline care, and practical tips for communicating with pet owners about these topics.

Understand spectrum of care and how to communicate to pet owners

Learn about new research on feline Giardia and its emerging zoonotic aspects, and how to apply this to clinical management

Discuss current management of common feline infectious disease cases, e.g. ringworm, endoparasites, etc. and their implications for preventive care across the spectrum

Michelle Evason, BSc, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), MRCVS, serves as Global Director, Veterinary Clinical Education for Antech (MARS). She has worked in general practice, academia, specialty clinical practice, and in the animal health industry. Michelle has published on numerous infectious diseases, antimicrobial stewardship, nutrition, spectrum of care, veterinary- and pet-owner education related topics. She enjoys ferrying her two-legged (and four-legged) children to various activities and fulfilling most ‘Canuck’ stereotypes.

Podcasts

Michelle Evason, Bsc, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), MRCVS, sits down with Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to talk about what spectrum of care means especially in the world of feline care. 
