Paws and profits: Recent business and educational appointments

Veterinary business leaders play a crucial role in ensuring the success of an organization by promoting excellence and innovation, but still maintaining a high quality of care provided to animals. Additionally, veterinary school leaders play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the profession by educating and inspiring the next generation of veterinarians. They guide curriculum development, research initiatives, and expert mentorship efforts to prepare students for the evolving landscape of veterinary medicine. Together, these leaders drive progress, promote best practices, and uphold the integrity of the veterinary profession.

Various veterinary businesses, organizations, and schools recently announced new promotions and appointments. The following individuals are among those making career advancements:

Kathy Turner and Craig Wallace, Elanco board of directors

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated expanded its board of directors to 14 members with the newest addition of Kathy Turner and Craig Wallace. The 2 directors also joined Elanco’s Finance, Strategy and Oversight Committee.

Turner has occupied prominent executive roles at IDEXX Laboratories, including the position of chief marketing officer. Wallace has more than 3 decades of leadership involvement in renowned companies like Fort Dodge Animal Health, Trupanion, and Ceva.¹

"We are pleased to welcome Kathy and Craig, both accomplished animal health industry executives, to the Elanco Board," said Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, in a company release.¹ "We are making meaningful progress as we continue to execute our Innovation, Portfolio and Productivity strategy, and we are confident that Kathy and Craig will be valuable additions to the Board."

Jonathan Levine, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), dean of University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine

Jonathan Levine, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), incoming dean of the University of Wisconsin (UW)–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. (Photo courtesy of UW-Madison University)

Jonathan Levine, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), is currently a professor of veterinary neurology and the head of small animal clinical sciences at Texas A&M University, but has now been selected as the next dean of the University of Wisconsin (UW)–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, effective August 1, 2024. This appointment will make Levine UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine’s fourth dean after 41 years since the school of veterinary medicine was established in 1983.

Levine will replace Mark Markel, DVM, PhD, DACVS as dean after Markel’s 12 years in the position. Markel will step down, but continue to run the Comparative Orthopedic Research Laboratory focused on musculoskeletal regeneration.²

“I am thrilled and honored to be stepping into this new role as dean,” Levine said in a UW news article.² “I’m passionate about working together to address our challenges and expand opportunities while serving the diverse needs of the school and the public. I look forward to building on the great accomplishments of Dean Markel and to helping the school’s talented faculty, staff and students continue to make positive impacts.”

Levine's current research is concentrated on neurological ailments found naturally in dogs, with a particular emphasis on conditions pertinent to human spinal cord injuries and central nervous system tumors. Additionally, he has previously fulfilled the role of president for the American Association of Veterinary Clinicians.

“Leaders who are successful program builders must develop collaborative, inclusive cultures that emphasize shared governance. To create such a culture, I encourage feedback, open dialogue, transparency in the face of challenges and a distribution of leadership,” Levine added.²

Gavin D.K. Hattersley, Zoetis board of directors

Zoetis Inc, animal health company, appointed Gavin D.K. Hattersley to its board of directors. Hattersley is currently the president, CEO, and director of Molson Coors Beverage Company and brings Zoetis several years of global public company leadership and board experience.

“Gavin Hattersley brings invaluable experience to our Board as we continue to expand in key markets around the globe,” said Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis, in a company release.³ “His experience as CEO of a public company will help Zoetis as we continue to advance our vision to be the most trusted and valued animal health company, shaping the future of animal care through our innovation, customer obsession and purpose-driven colleagues.”

Hattersley’s new position increases Zoetis’ board of directors to 13 members. “I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join Zoetis’ Board of Directors at an exciting time for the company. Zoetis’ mission to lead the industry with best-in-class animal care solutions, a diversified portfolio and a winning company culture matches perfectly with my professional experience and personal values, and I look forward to playing a role in Zoetis’ bright future,” Hattersley said.³

Timo Prange, DVM, MS, DACVS (LA), executive veterinary medical officer of NC State College of Veterinary Medicine

Timo Prange, DVM, MS, DACVS (LA), executive veterinary medical officer of the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine (right). (Photo courtesy of NC State University)

In a newly created position, Timo Prange, DVM, MS, DACVS (LA), became the executive veterinary medical officer of the North Carolina State College of Veterinary Medicine. Prange’s responsibilities include focusing on adding efficiencies to the NC State Veterinary Hospital to increase caseload and enhance the clinical experience for both patients and staff members.

“In this role, Dr Prange will help with clinical service interactions and communications and will work closely with the house officer program focusing on mentoring and wellness,” says Dr. Kate Meurs, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology), dean of the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine, in a news release.⁴ “We’re taking steps to make interacting with our hospital a smoother experience so that we can increase the caseload.”

Prange is currently a clinical associate professor of equine surgery at the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine and will continue to see equine surgery patients and conduct research into treating cancer and advancing equine health, according to NC State. The school’s teaching hospital cares for about 30,000 patients each year and this new position will help measure its success with treating every patient and leaving clients satisfied.

“I love the opportunity that I’ve been given to help the entire hospital community grow together as a team and to really see our values played out in our everyday workplace culture. This is going to be work, but it’s also going to be exciting. I really enjoy solving problems together with other people,” Prange said.⁴

References

1. Elanco appoints 2 animal health industry executives, Kathy Turner and Craig Wallace, to its board of directors. News release. Elanco Animal Health Incorporated. April 1, 2024. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/elanco-appoints-two-animal-health-industry-executives-kathy-turner-and-craig-wallace-to-its-board-of-directors-302104172.html
2. Mahon E. Jonathan Levine to become dean of UW–Madison School of Veterinary Medicine. University of Wisconsin–Madison. April 1, 2024. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://news.wisc.edu/jonathan-levine-to-become-dean-of-uw-madison-school-of-veterinary-medicine/
3. Zoetis appoints Gavin D.K. Hattersley to its board of directors. News release. Zoetis Inc. April 1, 2024. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240401918431/en
4. Eplin Wheeler B. New veterinary hospital positions aim to enhance patient, clinician experience. North Carolina State University. April 2, 2024. Accessed April 19, 2024. https://news.cvm.ncsu.edu/new-veterinary-hospital-positions-aim-to-enhance-patient-clinician-experience/