Olson resigns CEO post at Morris Animal Foundation

Denver

-- Patricia Olson, DVM, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Morris Animal Foundation (MAF) will be leaving the organization.

Though she was scheduled to retire in 2012, MAF announced Nov. 5 that the five-year CEO decided to leave sooner for personal reasons. Her resignation is effective Nov. 12, but MAF says Olson will offer guidance to the organization as it searches for her replacement.

Olson joined MAF in 2004 as executive director and was named president and CEO the following year. She guided the foundation as it grew its animal-health and welfare research funding from a $4.2 million in 2005 to $9.3 million by 2011. MAF has already committed more than $17 million in veterinary research funding over the next three years.

“It has truly been a pleasure to work with the Morris Animal Foundation team,” Olson said in a statement about her resignation. “I am proud of all that we have accomplished together on behalf of animals, and I am confident the foundation will continue to grow and to create a healthier tomorrow for animals.”

A national search for Olson’s replacement will begin soon, according to the foundation. Dr. Mark Carter, chair of the MAF Board of Trustees, will oversee the executive team until a replacement is found.