Paws and profits: AAHA announces next CEO, and other updates

The Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center and New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has a new executive director with prior experience as area director for the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at the US Embassy in Brazil. Additionally, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) has announced its next CEO, effective April 1, 2026. Meanwhile, Ethos Veterinary Health has a new president with more than 20 years of experience.

Continue reading to learn more about each of these individuals.

Shelley Mehlenbacher, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, executive director, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center

Shelley Mehlenbacher, DVM, MPH, DACVPM, is now serving as Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine’s executive director of the Animal Health Diagnostic Center and New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, and as associate dean for diagnostic operations and government relations. Mehlenbacher brings more than a decade of experience in regulatory veterinary medicine and public health, as well as in international trade and agricultural development. She most recently served as area director for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at the US Embassy in Brasília, Brazil overseeing US agricultural issues with Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Her prior roles include assistant state veterinarian at the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and other regulatory and public health positions. Mehlenbacher is also a foreign animal disease diagnostician and has been a veterinary practitioner since 2000.

“I’m excited by the chance to serve the veterinary and agricultural communities here in New York and beyond, and to be part of an institution that’s so deeply rooted in knowledge and discovery,” Mehlenbacher said in university press release.1 “Diagnostic centers sit right at the crossroads of science and service, and that combination — being able to make a tangible impact while tackling complex challenges — is something I find really rewarding.”

Brady Beale, VMD, DACVO, CEO, AAHA

Earlier this week, AAHA announced Brady Beale, VMD, DACVO will become its new CEO beginning April 1, 2026. Beale has a extensive experience in veterinary medicine and hospital leadership, currently serving as associate dean of clinical enterprise, hospital director, and chief medical officer at the University of Pennsylvania’s Matthew J. Ryan Hospital. A 2002 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Veterinary Medicine, Beale completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery and a comparative ophthalmology residency at North Carolina State University. After a period in private practice, Beale returned to Penn Vet in 2015, taking on roles in clinical ophthalmology and teaching communication in the student curriculum.

“I am honored to lead AAHA into its next chapter,” Beale said in a news release.2 “AAHA’s mission resonates deeply with me, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the team who are dedicated to supporting veterinary professionals today. I look forward to learning from our staff, board, and membership about how we can preserve what makes AAHA invaluable while exploring new ways to serve the profession."

Leslie Storms, MBA, president, Ethos Veterinary Health

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) has appointed Leslie Storms, MBA, as president of Ethos Veterinary Health, the veterinary network announced last month.3 Storms has more than 2 decades of experience in executive leadership across healthcare, medical technology, life sciences, and pharmaceuticals. She spent nearly 2 decades at Johnson & Johnson, holding senior leadership roles including US president of Orthopedics at Johnson & Johnson MedTech and president of Ethicon US, where she led multibillion-dollar operations serving human and veterinary healthcare markets. Her career also includes senior positions at Janssen US, Noramco, Corning Life Sciences, and Eli Lilly & Co.

I believe the greatest impact we can have is through the teams we build and the lives we touch," Storms said in an organizational news release.3 "At Ethos, I am inspired by the passion and dedication of our community, and I look forward to working together to revolutionize veterinary medicine—expanding options for families and helping pets live longer, healthier lives."

References

1. Dr. Shelley Mehlenbacher begins role as executive director of Cornell’s Animal Health Diagnostic Center. News release. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. December 2, 2025. Accessed January 9, 2026.
2. AAHA names Dr. Brady Beale as chief executive officer. News release. January 7, 2026. Accessed January 9, 2026.
3. National Veterinary Associates appoints Leslie Storms as president, Ethos Veterinary Health. News release. National Veterinary Associates. December 1, 2025. Accessed January 9, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/national-veterinary-associates-appoints-leslie-storms-as-president-ethos-veterinary-health-302629132.html