Paws and profits: New leadership across various organizations
These individuals are being noted for advancements in their careers
Career advancements in the veterinary industry can open the door to both progression within organizations and personal growth. New leadership and new roles can bring new ideas, different perspectives, and a drive for evolution not only in their company or clinic, but in the entire veterinary ecosystem.
The following individuals are being spotlighted in this week’s “Paws and profits” column:
Rae Hutchins, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), chief veterinary officer, Wedgewood
In a new step for Wedgewood, Hutchins joins the organization as its first-ever chief veterinary officer. With a passion for advocating for pets in need, she serves on the Board of Directors for Waggle—a nonprofit organization supporting veterinary care for animals experiencing financial challenges. In her prior roles, Hutchins was the chief clinical officer at United Veterinary Care, group vice president at VCA, and medical director of a multi-specialty hospital.
“I am honored to join Wedgewood at such a pivotal time in its growth and innovation. As the company’s first chief veterinary officer, I am eager to lead efforts that will redefine how we support veterinarians and their patients,” said Hutchins in an organizational release.1 “By collaborating with our talented teams and dedicated partners, we have an extraordinary opportunity to deliver solutions that not only meet the challenges of today but set new benchmarks for excellence in veterinary care. Together, we will ensure Wedgewood remains the go-to partner for veterinarians striving to provide the highest level of care.”
“Dr Hutchins is an exceptional leader whose expertise and dedication to veterinary care will shape the future of Wedgewood,” said Wedgewood CEO Alejandro Bernal, DVM, in the release.1 “As our first-ever chief veterinary officer, her leadership will be instrumental in ensuring we remain the trusted partner veterinarians turn to for innovative solutions and unparalleled support.”
Sally Haddock, DVM, North American Veterinary Community board president
Sally Haddock, DVM. (Photo courtesy of North American Veterinary Community)
After an 8-year commitment to the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) board of directors, Haddock, author of the book “The Making of a Woman Vet,” has taken on the role of the organization’s board president for the years 2025 to 2026. She is the founder and owner St. Marks Veterinary Hospital in New York, New York, and continues to practice part-time in a hospital in Vermont.
A dedicated supporter of the veterinary community, as well as her own local community, representing many veterinary and community nonprofit organizations, Haddock recently received the Distinguished Life Service award from the Veterinary Medical Association of New York City (VMA of NYC). She was also chair of the Annual Awards Banquet of the VMA of NYC for more than a decade. Additionally, her hospital has worked with NY Save and Paws NY, providing emergency care to financially struggling pet owners and offering veterinary services to homebound individuals needing assistance with their pets, respectively.
“I am deeply privileged and honored to serve as NAVC Board president. Being a veterinarian is not just a profession, but a vital part of my identity that brings me immense joy and fulfillment,” said Haddock, according to a news release.2 "I am so proud to be part of an organization that drives meaningful change in the Veterinary profession worldwide. I am looking forward to contributing what I can to our beloved vibrant and growing organization.”
Erin Strait, DVM, PhD, chief scientific officer, Dalan Animal Health
Strait is stepping into the role of chief scientific officer at Dalan Animal Health, where she will spearhead efforts to strengthen the company’s research presence, expand the scientific team, and lead the company’s “strategic vision” to progress its vaccine platform and explore “new frontiers in animal health,” according to Dalan Animal Health.3 Before joining Dalan, Strait was the director of innovation and development for US poultry and swine biologics at Ceva Animal Health. Prior to that, Strait served as director of biology discover, US swine biologics at Merck Animal Health.
"I am thrilled to join Dalan Animal Health at this pivotal moment in the company's growth," said Strait in a company release.3 "The company's pioneering research and development efforts, from developing the world's first honeybee vaccine to advancing shrimp health solutions, underscore a deep commitment to innovation in animal health. I am eager to build on Dr Freitak's groundbreaking science and unlock new, transformative applications of innate immunity across a diverse range of species."
“Dr Strait's deep expertise in immunology and proven track record in bringing novel biologics to market makes her the ideal leader for our scientific initiatives," Annette Kleiser, PhD, CEO of Dalan Animal Health, said in the release.3 "Her appointment strengthens our ability to develop groundbreaking solutions for unmet needs in animal health, food production and beyond."
Bruce Flantzer. (Photo courtesy of Pet King Brands)
Karen Donald. (Photo courtesy of Pet King Brands)
Bruce Flantzer, veterinary sales director; and Karen Donald, veterinary sales lead; Pet King Brands Animal Health
Flantzer and Donald are joining Pet King Brand (PKB) Animal Health’s sales team as veterinary sales director and veterinary sales lead, respectively. In his new role, Flantzer sees to the growth of all veterinary channel sales, new product placement, and distribution. With 25 years of experience, Flantzer began his career in the United States Air Force as a veterinary technician.
“Bruce’s performance-driven, strategic and tactical practices are a welcome addition to our team,” said Pamela Bosco, president and founder of Pet King Brands, in a company release.4 “His evident experience in sales and customer relations will serve to drive growth.”
At the company, Donald is assuming the role of veterinary sales lead, where she will facilitate PKB’s student ambassador educational programs and outreach initiatives in the veterinary community, as well as contribute to distributor sales growth through customer relationships and promotional programs. Donald holds more than 25 years of experience in veterinary sales and marketing from PractiVet and Veterinary Products Laboratories.
“Karen shows an innate ability to develop loyal, dedicated and dependable relationships with our customers,” said Bosco in the release.4 “She holds strong knowledge of the industry and will be vital to sales growth and education.”
References
- Wedgewood names Dr. Rae Hutchins as chief veterinary officer. News release. Wedgewood. January 24, 2025.
- The NAVC welcomes Sally Haddock, DVM, as 2025-2025 board president. News release. North American Veterinary Community. February 12, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://navc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/02-12-25-The-NAVC-Welcomes-Sally-Haddock-as-2025-2026-Board-Presidentn-FINAL-1.pdf
- Dalan Animal Health taps Dr. Erin Strait to drive next wave of innovation as chief scientific officer. News release. January 27, 2025. Accessed February 21, 2025. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/content/prnj-sso/prnj-login-page.html?fromURI=https%3A%2F%2Fidm.cision.com%2Fapp%2Fcisionn0151c_prnewswiremediaforjournalists_1%2Fexk2vqyy7ypaAdkm42p7%2Fsso%2Fsaml
- PKB Animal Health announces growing sales team in advance of Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX). News release. Pet King Brands. January 21, 2025.
