AVMA CEO Ron DeHaven to retire this summer

Ron DeHaven, DVM, MBA, current CEO of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), will retire this summer, according to an association release. DeHaven joined the AVMA in 2007 after more than 20 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Dr. Ron DeHaven

While a specific retirement date hasn't been set, DeHaven will likely remain in his position through the AVMA's annual convention, which will be held in August. This date may change if a new chief executive is found and begins employment sooner, the release states.

Under DeHaven's leadership the association grew in industry influence as well as numbers, according to the AVMA, with membership now standing at more than 88,000. One of the more high-profile initiatives DeHaven worked on was advocating for the Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act in the walking horse industry.

“I wanted to make a difference for the profession, because I'm passionate about veterinary medicine,” he says. “In my previous career, I felt I was able to make a difference in American agriculture, and this was an opportunity to make a difference in the veterinary profession. Together, we have faced a lot of challenges during what appears to be an ongoing period of transformational change for the profession. The need for a strong national umbrella organization is more important than ever, and I believe I will be leaving the AVMA well-positioned to serve in that role as the leading advocate for veterinary medicine.”

The AVMA is currently implementing a new strategic operating plan under the guidance of its board of directors, the release states.

“We have identified what is most important to our members and what the AVMA can and must do to meet their needs and expectations,” DeHaven says. “They have told us that advocacy, valuable products and services, high standards of veterinary medical education and developing leaders are critically important to them and what they expect from their association. I believe we are well-positioned to deliver going forward.”

DeHaven and his wife, Nancy, have two children and four grandchildren. They plan on spending as much time as they can visiting their family.