Paws and profits: Leadership in the veterinary profession

Advancing in the veterinary profession or industry not only paves the way for career growth but can also foster positive change in the industry. As exemplary professionals step into new leadership roles, they bring with them unique perspectives, creative solutions, and a commitment to evolving their organizations and the broader veterinary landscape.

The following individuals are being spotlighted in this week’s “Paws and profits” column:

Stanley Howell, MBA chief operations officer, Wedgewood

Staney Howell, MBA. (Photo courtesy of Wedgewood)

Stanley Howell, MBA has been appointed Wedgewood’s new chief operations officer. In his new role, Howell will spearhead the company’s initiatives to streamline supply chain operations, improve service delivery, and support the growth of the Blue Rabbit platform—Wedgewood’s online veterinary pharmacy platform. Howell is certified as Six Sigma and Lean Black Belt, Change Agent, and Organizational Business Designer. Prior to his appointment at Wedgewood, he held leadership roles at Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, and Merck.

“I’m thrilled to join Wedgewood at such a transformative moment,” said Howell in a company release.¹ “The company’s commitment to operational excellence and customer service aligns perfectly with my passion for driving efficiency and continuous improvement. I look forward to working with our teams to support veterinarians with the best possible pharmacy solutions, ensuring they can focus on what matters most—caring for their patients.”

Stephanie Hastings, AA, director of marketing, Aurora Pharmaceutical

Stephanie Hastings is joining Aurora Pharmaceutical as its new director of marketing. In her new position, Hastings is leading the organization’s marketing strategy, brand development, and communication initiatives. A trained anthropologist, Hastings has experience in highly regulated health and wellness, as well as agriculture industries.

I am thrilled to join Aurora Pharmaceutical and contribute to their success in the animal health industry," said Hastings in a news release.² "Aurora is known for its dedication to innovation and quality, and I look forward to driving marketing initiatives that further enhance the company's presence and value to customers."

Libby Coleman Todd, DVM; James M. Weber Jr., DVM, MBA

Libby Coleman Todd, DVM. (Photo courtesy of American Veterinary Medical Association)

James M. Weber Jr., DVM, MBA. (Photo courtesy of American Veterinary Medical Association)

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has announced that Libby Coleman Todd, DVM and James M. Weber Jr., DVM, MBA, will be joining their board this July. Todd will direct District 3, representing AVMA members living in Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, and Mississippi. Weber will direct District 5 and represent members in Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky.

Todd is a native of Alabama with 24 years of experience practicing. She holds a certificate of thanatology from the University of Alabama and is currently the state’s delegate in the AVMA House of Delegates. She is also a member of the AVMA House Advisory Committee.

“I have learned so much about the AVMA and the immense responsibilities of the Board of Directors over the last several years. I want to continue my leadership journey as a district director so I can support and inspire other veterinarians that seek to enrich our profession,” wrote Todd in her candidate statement, according to the AVMA.³

For more than three decades, Weber has played an active role in the Kentucky VMA (KVMA), including positions as president and executive board member. He represented the KVMA on the Kentucky Agricultural Council and chaired the Public Relations and Governmental Relations Committees, the latter since 2007. In addition, he served as a veterinary medical officer with the US Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service.

“I have had a longtime interest and desire to participate in organized veterinary medicine at the local, state, and national levels. I feel that such involvement is vital to promote the profession,” said Weber in his candidate statement.³

Matthew J. Kirchner, CEO, VetnCare

VetnCare has appointed Matthew J. Kirchner as the company’s CEO. Kirchner has experience in health care services, medical devices, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals with a focus on organic business growth and “optimized” operations.⁴ According to a company release, Kirchner will also be part of the company’s board of directors.⁴

“Having spent the majority of my career in human healthcare, I’m excited to bring my business expertise and personal passion for animals to such an important field. Pet care will continue to be a top priority for so many, and we are dedicated to leading with comprehensive and innovative care,” said Kirchner in the release.⁴

References

1. Wedgewood appoints Stanley Howell as chief operations officer to drive growth and operational excellence. News release. Wedgewood. February 6, 2025. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.wedgewood.com/newsroom/wedgewood-appoints-stanley-howell-as-chief-operations-officer-to-drive-growth-and-operational-excellence/
2. Aurora Pharmaceutical appoints Stephanie Hastings as director of marketing. News release. Aurora Pharmaceutical. January 28, 2025. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aurora-pharmaceutical-appoints-stephanie-hastings-as-director-of-marketing-302362416.html
3. Todd, Weber elected to AVMA Board. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. February 7, 2025. Accessed March 7, 2025. https://www.avma.org/news/todd-weber-elected-avma-board?utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=todays-headlines-news
4. VetnCare announces Matthew J. Kirchner as chief executive officer; founder Dr. Andrew Moffatt to continue leadership role as chief medical officer. News release. VetnCare. January 28, 2025.