AVMA names Janet Donlin as executive vice president/CEO

DonlinJanet Donlin, DVM, CAE, has been named executive vice president/CEO of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Donlin succeeds Ron DeHaven, DVM, MBA, who is retiring after nine years with the AVMA, according to an association release. She is the first woman to be named to the position and will begin on September 12.

Donlin has served as the CEO of the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust (AVMA PLIT) since 2013. Newly instated AVMA President Tom Meyer, DVM, says Donlin's long service to the profession and her extensive professional achievements were key factors in her being named to the position.

"Dr. Donlin is one of the true champions of veterinary medicine and all it stands for,” Meyer says in the release. “She has an outstanding record of success in both the veterinary association arena and in the animal health industry. She is a skilled strategist with a proven background of diverse AVMA experience and a known reputation for working with leaders from all segments of the veterinary profession, key stakeholders and staff members to drive innovation, growth and success."

Donlin began working with the association in 1991 as an assistant director in the division that was called the AVMA Scientific Activities Division at the time. In the 17 years that followed she served as interim division director, associate executive vice president and assistant executive vice president. Donlin also served as the interim CEO of the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues from 2000-2001, where she oversaw the establishment of the commission as a nonprofit organization.

“My time at the AVMA and my experiences across the profession have reinforced for me time and again that our membership is very diverse, our needs are constantly evolving and our profession continues to face new challenges and opportunities,” Donlin says. “That's why I'm committed to making certain we continue to build on the AVMA's core strengths so that we are even more responsive to the needs of our members, and that we advocate with a strong, clear voice on behalf of our entire profession.”

Prior to her work with AVMA PLIT Donlin served as chief veterinary officer for the global veterinary business channel of Hill's Pet Nutrition. She received both her DVM and BS degrees from the University of Minnesota and is also a graduate of the veterinary technician program at the Medical Institute of Minnesota. Besides the AVMA, Donlin is a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Association of Bovine Practitioners, the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Association of Swine Veterinarians, the Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association, the American Society of Association Executives, and the American Association of Corporate and Public Practice Veterinarians.

Donlin is the first veterinarian to earn the certified association executive credential from the American Society of Association Executives. She is a former trustee of the AVMA's Group Health Life Insurance Trust (now known as AVMA Life), and she is a former board member of the American Association of Corporate and Public Service Veterinarians, according to the AVMA.