Paws and profits: Latest veterinary appointments in business and academia

Veterinary organizations and schools play a key role in shaping the future of animal care and welfare. These organizations may be guided by leaders who drive initiatives and policies. Effective leadership in this field can improve the quality of pet care while supporting the professional growth of employees and student learners. Moreover, a good industry leader can create a culture of innovation and ensure their institution stays aligned with the latest developments in animal health and veterinary education.

Several veterinary organizations and schools have announced new promotions and appointments recently. Below are some of those individuals advancing in their careers.

Jarrod Kersey, vice president of food safety and quality assurance, Alphia

Alphia named Jarrod Kersey, MS, MPA, PhD, as its vice president of food safety and quality assurance.¹ As vice president of food safety, Kersey will focus on safety and quality standards for Alphia’s products, playing a key role in ensuring overall product safety, quality, and compliance with regulations, according to the company.¹ Kersey assumed his new role on September 4, 2024.

“It is an honor to join the Alphia team and to continue my career working with a pet food manufacturer that values food safety, and quality,” said Kersey in a news release.¹ “Providing safe and healthy food for pets and protecting the family that loves them is my number one priority. I am thrilled to start this next chapter with Alphia.”

Kersey brings more than 20 years of experience in the pet food industry. In his new position, he will also oversee supplier management and safeguard the brand's reputation by ensuring that products align with customer standards.¹

Kirsty Husby, DVM, MS, DACVS (LA), senior technical services veterinarian, PetVivo Holdings, Inc

Kirsty Husby, DVM, MS, DACVS (LA). (Photo courtesy of PetVivo Holdings, Inc)

Kirsty Husby, DVM, MS, DACVS (LA), recently stepped into the role of senior technical services veterinarian for PetVivo Holdings, Inc. Husby joins PetVivo with more than 10 years of experience in animal health. Her background includes clinical practice and research as a board-certified equine surgeon, small animal veterinarian, clinical instructor, and medical director/managing veterinarian at animal clinics and educational institutions like Columbia Equine Clinic, Cascade Animal Clinic, Banfield Pet Hospital, and the Oregon State University Department of Clinical Sciences.

“I’m excited to join the PetVivo team at this pivotal point in its growth and development, and assist in demonstrating the powerful therapeutic benefits of Spryng [with OsteoCushio Technology],” said Husby in a news release.² “As an expert technical resource for veterinarians, my mission will be to improve the quality of life and restore the athletic ability of horses, dogs and other animals living with osteoarthritis and other lameness issues with effective use of Spryng.”

Andrew M Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine dean

Andrew M Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM. (Photo courtesy of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine and Penn Today)

Andrew M Hoffman, DVM, DVSc, DACVIM, will be continuing his term as the Gilbert S Kahn dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine (Penn Vet). His service will continue until June 30, 2030 and is subject to approval by the Board of Trustees, per a news release.³

“Hoffman is an empathetic, visionary, and effective leader who will steer the school to continued success,” J Larry Jameson, interim president of the university, said in the release.³ “His first term has been marked by substantial enhancements to the educational, clinical, and research strengths of the Penn Vet community.”

In March 2024, the university’s Consultative Review Committee began evaluating Hoffman’s first-term accomplishments and the challenges facing Penn Vet. They praised his successful reaccreditation efforts; advancements in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives; and establishment of interdisciplinary research programs. The Committee also noted his commitment to curriculum redesign, strong funding records, and innovative dual-degree programs.³

Kayla Henderson, DVM, president elect, Colorado Veterinary Medical Association

Kayla Henderson, DVM. (Photo courtesy of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association).

Earlier this month, officers of the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) took part in an installation ceremony led by Michael Lent, DVM, district IX director of the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) board of directors. During the meeting, 2024-2025 CVMA officers assumed new roles.⁴

Among those elected was Kayla Henderson, DVM, named president-elect for the board. Henderson currently serves as the secretary/treasurer for the CVMA and holds various positions on local and state boards. Her interests include equine medicine, reproduction, lameness, herd health care, and general small animal practice, as well as teaching and mentorship.⁴

Henderson graduated from Colorado State University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in equine science and business administration and earned her DVM in 2012. After volunteering at Alpine Vet Hospital as a teenager, she joined the hospital as an associate veterinarian in 2012 and became an owner and partner in 2019, according to the CVMA. Henderson is passionate about all aspects of rural mixed animal practice and advocates for the profession and lifestyle at state and national levels.⁴

Rod Christmas, DVM, MS, DACT, chairman, National Association for Biomedical Research board of directors

The National Association for Biomedical Research (NABR) recently announced the appointment of Rod Christmas, DVM, MS, DACT, as chairman of its board of directors. Currently, Christmas is the chief veterinary officer and institutional official at Boehringer Ingelheim, where he oversees NABR’s global animal welfare program. Christmas has more than 2 decades of experience in laboratory animal health, working as a private mixed animal practitioner, a professional services veterinarian, and a professor of veterinary medicine, according to an organizational release.⁵

"I am truly honored to accept the position of chairman for NABR's board of directors. As the only national nonprofit organization solely dedicated to sound public policy for the essential use of laboratory animals in biomedical research, NABR plays a key role in ensuring the voice of the biomedical research community is well represented in the halls of congress, state, and local legislatures. I look forward to contributing to NABR's essential work on behalf of the research community as chairman of the board,” expressed Christmas in the release.⁵

References

1. Alphia names new vice president of food safety & quality assurance to leadership team. News release. Alphia. September 4, 2024. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240904246952/en/Alphia-Names-New-Vice-President-of-Food-Safety-Quality-Assurance-to-Leadership-Team
2. PetVivo meets growing demand for Spryng with appointment of veterinary surgeon, Kirsty Husby, as senior technical services veterinarian. News release. PetVivo Holdings, Inc. September 9, 2024. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2024/09/09/2942973/0/en/PetVivo-Meets-Growing-Demand-for-Spryng-with-Appointment-of-Veterinary-Surgeon-Kirsty-Husby-as-Senior-Technical-Services-Veterinarian.html
3. Andrew M. Hoffman reappointed dean of Penn Vet. News release. Penn Today. September 12, 2024. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://penntoday.upenn.edu/news/andrew-m-hoffman-reappointed-dean-penn-vet
4. 2024-2025 CVMA officers assume new roles. Colorado Veterinary Medical Association. News release. September 7, 2024. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://www.colovma.org/cvma-news/2024-2025-cvma-officers-assume-new-roles/
5. NABR announces new board chair. News release. National Association for Biomedical Research. September 16, 2024. Accessed September 20, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nabr-announces-new-board-chair-302249204.html