Exceptional leadership in the veterinary sector profoundly impacts the quality of pet care and enhances the professional growth of their teams. Cultivating a culture of progression and staying well-informed of the latest developments in veterinary medicine, industry leaders can help maintain the standards and excellence in pet healthcare.

Various veterinary businesses and organizations recently announced new promotions and appointments. The following individuals are among those making career advancements:

Sharon Fernandez CEO, Independence Pet Holdings

Sharon Fernandez is now the new chief executive officer of Independence Pet Holdings (IPH), a pet insurance organization for North America. She has over 25 years of insurance industry expertise, having previously served as the CEO Insurance and Corporate COO at Buckle Insurance. Prior roles include president of Farmers Commercial Insurance, president of Bristol West Insurance, and executive vice president of operations at Farmers Insurance.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead IPH at this exciting time," Fernandez stated in a news release. "With a full stack of resources, capital, and services that support a multi brand and omni channel approach, our talented leadership team is ready to take our brands and services to the next level to create a better future for pets and pet parents."

"I'm excited to announce the appointment of Sharon, which helps further our mission of building a better future for pets and pet parents," said Dirk Beeckman, CEO of JAB Pet Holdings, an affiliate of IPH. "With Sharon's extensive experience and proven results in the financial services industry, we're well-positioned to continue building and elevating products and solutions to simplify the pet parenting journey and improve the well-being of pets."

Fernando Delgado, chief growth officer, Bond Vet

Fernando Delgado was appointed as Bond Vet’s chief growth officer (CGO) and joins the veterinary clinic network with over 20 years of marketing and business experience. His past roles span across multiple industries, including retail and hospitality, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, and consumer packaged goods. Delgado’s most recent position was as the global head of marketing at CSL Plasma.

“I am incredibly excited to join such a mission-driven team dedicated to providing an outstanding client experience and great patient care,” said Fernando Delgado, CGO, in a release. “I look forward to bringing Bond Vet’s exceptional services to more clients and pets as we expand nationwide.”

“I’m thrilled to welcome Fernando to Bond Vet,” said Garrett Lewis, CEO of Bond Vet. “Fernando has spent his career focusing on customers and how brands can best serve them. I’m confident he’s the right person to bring our exceptional service to more clients and pets, ultimately growing Bond’s impact in both new and existing communities we serve.”

Adrianna Smith, president of Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association

Adrianna Smith, DVM, is now the Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association’s 2024 president. Smith is from Chicago and received her DVM degree from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2012. After 3 years in general practice, she redirected her efforts towards community and shelter medicine. As a Louisiana SPCA member, she splits her time between community and shelter clinics and in times of disaster, Smith participates in response teams providing medical treatment, transport aid, veterinary relief, and community assistance.

Michael Kascask, vice president of talent acquisition, CityVet

Michael Kascask has joined the CityVet team as the vice president of talent acquisition. His most recent role, before joining CityVet was Head of SWE Sourcing for Google, North America and he has 20 years of previous experience in executive leadership roles within talent acquisition and recruiting.

“I’ve always loved pets and animals, so it is serendipitous that at this point in my career I’ve been given the opportunity to move into a new industry that marries my talent acquisition experience with an industry that is near and dear to me,” Kascask stated in the CityVet release.

At CityVet, Kascask will play a key part in aiding the company's expansion and his responsibilities include formulating strategies to enhance the efficiency of hiring processes and optimize them as the brand undergoes growth. This will entail facilitating the recruitment of new DVMs, veterinary technicians, and clinic staff to accommodate the opening of new locations.

“Michael brings a depth of knowledge about talent acquisition to CityVet and we are thrilled for him to join our growing team,” said CityVet CEO David Boguslawski. “We were impressed by his diverse background in various industries and are confident that his experience with skillfully managing the candidate journey to yield the best results for applicants and companies aligns perfectly with our goals as we continue to expand our footprint.”

Previously serving as the vice president of sales for CASCO Pet, Kevin DeWalt will now be the president of the company’s US business. DeWalt has been with the pet and veterinary company for almost 10 years and has thus far increased sales growth, expanded the customer base, and led successful teams.

"It’s a great honor to have been promoted to President at CASCO Pet, and I am very excited about the new opportunities this promotion will present. As a sales-driven leader, I look forward to working alongside our team in this new capacity on innovative and thought-leading products that are revolutionizing pet wellness globally and delivering real value to our customers,” DeWalt stated in the company’s news release.

"Kevin has been instrumental in growing our US operations over the past decade, and delivered impressive sales growth as our Vice President of Sales. This promotion is a recognition of his considerable contribution and expertise. With his passion for innovation and dedication to our customers, I am confident the business will go from strength to strength under his leadership,” said CEO, Matthew Bubear.

Independence Pet Holdings names Sharon Fernandez chief executive officer. News release. Independence Pet Holdings. February 13, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independence-pet-holdings-names-sharon-fernandez-chief-executive-officer-302061124.html

Fernando Delgado joins Bond Vet as chief growth officer. News release. Bond Vet. February 15, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240215332745/en

LVMA announces installation of 2024 association president. News release. Louisiana Veterinary Medical Association. January 30, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024.

CityVet announces Michael Kascask as vice president of talent acquisition. News release. CityVet. February 22, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024.

CASCO Pet promotes Kevin DeWalt to president of our US business. News release. CASCO Pet. January 26, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://cascopet.com/us/the-world-of-casco-pet/our-blog/casco-pet-promotes-kevin-dewalt-to-president-of-our-us-business/

Articles

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

Paws and profits: Showcasing the latest promotions in the veterinary industry

In veterinary medicine, professionals are steadfast witnesses to the enduring bond between humans and equines, a bond celebrated annually on World Horse Day. Join us in commemorating World Horse Day by reviewing the latest news and innovations within equine medicine that will help our equine patients live a long and happy life with their owners.

From an USDA funded study investigating reproductive abnormalities and sterility in horses to largest equine corneal transplant to date, there is something here for everyone. Check out the articles:

The largest equine corneal transplant ever reported

North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine announced that its ophthalmologists helped Myra, a show-jumping Dutch warmblood horse, by successfully completing the most extensive resection and corneal transplant every document in an equine patient.

USDA is funding a study of reproductive abnormalities and sterility in horses

: Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences in College Station received a $640,000 grant from the USDA for researchers to study abnormalities in sex development affecting reproductive capabilities of some horses.

Equine patients suffering from distal limb wounds of the pastern and the foot of the horse are commonly treated using an phalangeal cast. Allison A. Stewart, DVM, MS, DACVS, outlined effective treatment for stabilizing a horse’s wounded pastern or food region.

Check out these 3 article on the latest news in equine medicine 

3 must-reads for World Horse Day 2024

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) announced during the 55th AASV Annual Meeting held in Nashville, Tennessee the recipient of the AASV Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award was Dylan Lape, DVM. The award is presented to an AASV member who graduated veterinary school within 5 years and who demonstrates the ideals of exemplary service and proficiency early in the recipient’s career.

"I am shocked and honored to be selected for this award! I 100% wouldn't be the veterinarian I am today without the mentorship I've received from many members of AASV, but especially my boss Dr Matt Ackerman!" expressed Lape.

Dylan Lape, DVM, 2024 AASV Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year Award recipient (Image courtesy50 of AASV)

According to an organizational release from Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine,

 Lape is from Lebanon, Pennsylvania where he was raised exhibiting poultry along with his father and brother. He then attended the Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) in 2014 to pursue a Bachelor of Science Degree. After graduating, Lape then went to Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2018.

During his time at Penn State, Lape developed an interest in swine medicine at the Penn State swine farm, leading him to continue to foster his interest during his time at Purdue.

 He then joined Pork Veterinary Solutions in July 2018 and works with independent swine producers, contact growers, and large integrators. In this position, he oversaw the production of approximately 1 million pigs per year.

Lape participated in multiple foreign animal disease planning and preparedness exercises and finished the Swine Veterinarians Public Policy Advocacy Program that was through the National Pork Producers Council and AASV.

Those who nominated Lape for the award described his infectious positive personality as an ideal of exemplary service. The nominations said that despite situations being challenging or stressful, Lape continues to be happy, making him a crucial part of the team as well as a joy to clients and fellow colleagues.

Currently, Lape is raising exhibition poultry locally and in his spare time, enjoys showing across the Midwest.

AASV Honors Awardees at Annual Meeting. News release. American Association of Swine Veterinarians. February 27, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://www.aasv.org/news/story.php?id=16444

AASV recognizes Purdue Veterinary graduate as 2024 Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year. News release. Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. March 1, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://vet.purdue.edu/news/aasv-recognizes-purdue-veterinary-graduate-as-2024-young-swine-veterinarian-of-the-year.php

Dylan Lape, DVM, was honored during the American Association of Swine Veterinarians annual meeting

AASV announces Young Swine Veterinarian of the Year 

An equine veterinarian performs and exam on a ranch while the client holds the horse.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) have partnered for a new resource for equine veterinary teams. The free 

 was created to help practice staff develop healthy lines of communication and positive partnerships with horse owners, according to an organizational release.

Launched today—World Horse Day—this single-page guide can be printed out and displayed in the clinic or provided to clients as a tip sheet. The 

 shows a column of client expectations for an equine practice next to a compatible list of complementary behaviors requested by the staff. “Be provided with contact information for veterinary emergency services when needed” is a client expectation. In response, the staff requests that clients “reserve after-hours calls for true emergencies [and understand] that [their] regular veterinarian may not be the one to see [their] horse.”

“The release of the Effective Equine Care Guide marks a significant step forward in the care of horses in the United States. This collaborative effort, at its core, is about nurturing the relationships between veterinarians, their teams, and horse owners to ensure the best possible care for these magnificent animals. Through open communication and mutual respect, this guide will empower both veterinary professionals and horse owners, leading not just to healthier horses, but also stronger, more positive relationships in our professional lives. This is essential in our mission to advance the health and wellbeing of animals and reflects our ongoing commitment to support the veterinary profession in all aspects of their invaluable work,” said Rena Carlson, DVM, president of the AVMA, in the release.

“When the relationship between an equine veterinarian and an owner is rooted in mutual trust and respect, it is the health and welfare of the horse that benefits the most,” added 2024 AAEP President Katie Garrett, DVM, DACVS-LA, in the release.

 “The AAEP is tremendously appreciative of this opportunity to partner with the AVMA on behalf of every horse doctor and client.”

 follows the release of recent data from the AVMA that found 9 of 10 veterinarians in companion animal practice indicated that they’ve experienced negative or escalated client interactions in the past year. When asked if a resource outlining shared expectations and responsibilities could help strengthen their relationship with clients, 7 of 10 replied affirmatively.

Meanwhile, a 2023 survey by Banfield Pet Hospital found that more than 80% of the 1000 responding pet owners value a strong and positive relationship with their veterinary team. This survey also found that nearly half of all clients have had a disagreement or heated interaction with their veterinary team.

The Effective Equine Care Guide will be housed within the 

. This toolkit is available to veterinary professionals throughout the industry on the AVMA’s website.

Better communication, better care: AVMA, AAEP unveil new guide for equine practices. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. March 1, 2024. Accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/better-communication-better-care-avma-aaep-unveil-new-guide-equine-practices

Veterinarian-client agreement for effective equine care. 

. American Veterinary Medical Association. Accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://www.avma.org/sites/default/files/2024-02/mcm-effective-equine-care-guide-2024.pdf

After pandemic pet boom and rise in demand for veterinary care, good news: pet owners and veterinary professionals are ready for positive partnerships. April 11, 2023. Accessed March 1, 2024. 

https://www.banfield.com/about-banfield/newsroom/press-releases/2023/banfield-pet-hospital-avma-surveys-positive-pet-care-partnerships

The American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Association of Equine Practitioners collaborated to create the new resource for practices.

Client communication guide is released for equine veterinary teams

Good morning dvm360 readers! We are officially 2 weeks away from our upcoming Fetch conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, can you believe it’s almost here? Fetch Charlotte is currently approved for 111 continuing education credit hours in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval. This means that attendees will be able to earn 17 hours during the conference! We still have some spots open to go 

 to learn more, see what speakers and exhibitors will be in attendance, and secure your spot today.

While you prepare for Fetch Charlotte, here is what was popular this week on dvm360.com:

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore 

 its plans to begin accepting its first class of veterinary students in 2026, making the university the first public historically black college or university in the nation to offer a DVM-earning opportunity.

Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences 

 an emergency response team to the Texas panhandle to treat patients who were pets affected by the wildfires.

, Ron Nelson, executive vice president, Covetrus Care Plans, and host Adam Christman, DVM, MBA, to debunk common misconceptions about care plans and how subscription economy is making it way into veterinary clinics across the globe.

 on Mark Humphris, BSc, BVMS (Hons), MANZCVS (Dairy), Dip HRM (Dairy), and his veterinary consultancy that is supporting farmers with business, leadership, human resources, and governance advice, plus how Bronwyn Orr, BVSc, MSc, PhD, MANZCVS, GAICD, is educating the general public on why the veterinary profession matters.

 the highs and lows of her life that pushed to pursue her dream of becoming a veterinarian. Harris also explains that the lack of mentorship for her encouraged her to become a mentor for others.

 editorial team is currently covering the 

 how to recognize eye emergencies and have a better understanding of when things could turn urgent.

Wrap up: University of Maryland Eastern Shore announces plan to admit veterinary students in 2026, and other veterinary news

Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, expressed her enthusiasm for our Fetch conference in Charlotte happening in 2 weeks

Excitement for our upcoming Fetch Charlotte conference

Our first Fetch conference of 2024 is happening in just 2 weeks, located in the Queen City of Charlotte, North Carolina and be sure to 

 if you haven't already done so. Faculty member, Joya Griffin, DVM, DACVD, shared what she is most looking forward to at the conference in a recent interview with 

. She also expressed what she hopes attendees take away from her sessions. 

 I'm really looking forward to Fetch Charlotte because I had such a good time last year. Fetch is such an intimate experience, I think you get to spend time more time than these mega conferences conversing with different attendees and colleagues. And so that's really enjoyable.

For my sessions, I try to present on topics that I think are going to be useful in your every day-to-day dermatology practice. So if you're a general practitioner who sees a lot of skin cases, which you probably do, I'm hoping that I can make, you know treating and diagnosing our kitties a little bit more fun and a little less daunting, and that you'll take a few tips and tricks back with you that you can utilize in your practice. And I think everybody needs an easier day.