AVMA hires coordinator for disaster response

SCHAUMBURG, ILL. — Dr. Heather C. F. Case is the American Veterinary Medical Association's new national coordinator of disaster preparedness and response.

Dr. Heather C. F. Case

The former Veterinary Medical Assistance Team (VMAT) member with a master's degree in public health has a clinical background in multiple species, officials say.

She replaces Dr. Cindy Lovern, the group's long-time disaster-preparedness and response authority who coordinated the profession's historic rescue efforts after 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Lovern resigned earlier this year after relocating to the Washington area with her family.

In addition to her disaster-response role, Case will serve as an assistant director within AVMA's Scientific Activities Division. Her responsibilities include VMAT oversight, policy coordination, education and outreach. She will work with AVMA volunteers, VMAT members, the American Veterinary Medical Foundation and government agencies, officials say.

"I believe this position affords me a unique opportunity to blend my background and interests in animal health, public health, public policy and disaster preparedness and response," Case says in a news release.