Paws and profits: Recent leadership changes in the veterinary industry

Effective leadership in the pet and veterinary sector is essential for maintaining operational efficiency. Additionally, strong leadership can enhance the quality of pet care and products, while also fostering professional development within industry teams.

Several veterinary businesses have recently appointed new leaders. Among those advancing in their careers are the following individuals:

Joel D Anderson, MBA, CEO of Petco

Joel D Anderson, MBA, CEO of Petco. (Photo courtesy of Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc)

Petco Health and Wellness recently announced its appointment of Joel D Anderson as its new CEO. Anderson will begin his work on July 29, 2024. He was also chosen to serve on Petco’s Board of Directors. Anderson has more than 30 years of experience in retail leadership. Prior to his recent appointment, Anderson was the CEO of Five Below, where he helped the company grow its number of stores from 366 to more than 1,500 and grew its revenue from $500 million to more than 3.5 billion, according to an organizational release.¹

"I am excited to join Petco at a pivotal time as we reposition the business for a stronger future," said Anderson in the release.¹ "Petco is the leader in pet health and wellness and I see many opportunities to improve performance. I look forward to working closely with Glenn, the leadership team, and the Board of Directors to create value for all our stakeholders."

On July 29, 2024, R. Michael Mohan will shift from his position as interim CEO to lead a new Board committee dedicated to Petco's value creation efforts. He will collaborate with Anderson to facilitate a seamless leadership transition and to maintain progress toward the company's goals, according to Petco.¹

Colin Mitchell, BVMS, MS, DACVS, head of the department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Louisiana State University

Colin Mitchell, BVMS, MS, DACVS, head of the department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Louisiana State University. (Photo courtesy of Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine)

The Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine expressed its enthusiasm in its announcement of Colin Mitchell as the new head of department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS). Mitchell will step into his new position on July 29, 2024. Currently, Mitchell is a professor of equine surgery at the university. Since 2020, he has held the roles of clinical lead and director of large animal services at LSU Vet Med. Mitchell earned his Bachelor of Veterinary Science from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and his Master of Science from the University of Minnesota. Additionally, he is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Alongside his roles in teaching and leadership, Mitchell is well-regarded for his specialized knowledge in orthopedics, laminitis, and soft tissue surgery.²

“I'm looking forward to helping support the VCS faculty as they continue to provide outstanding veterinary education to our current and incoming student classes, as well as cutting-edge clinical research and world-class care for our patients in both the small and large animal hospitals,” expressed Mitchell in a news release.²

“Dr Mitchell is a talented and compassionate faculty member, equine surgeon, and member of the school leadership team. He will continue the great work begun by his accomplished predecessor, Dr. Frank Andrews,” said dean Oliver A. Garden, BVetMed, PhD, FHEA, FCPP, FRCVS, DACVIM, DECVIM-CA, in the release.² “With his extensive teaching, clinical, and administrative experience and deep commitment to veterinary medicine and clinical science, I could not be more confident that the department will continue to thrive and innovate under Dr Mitchell’s leadership as we deliver on our vision to better the lives of animals and people.”

Arnold L Goldman, DVM, MPH, CEM, president of Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association

Arnold L Goldman, former treasurer of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), was recently announced president of Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA)— a nonprofit organization that advocates for independent veterinary practitioners. Goldman has directed various organizations across professional societies, homeland security, banking and business sectors, charitable foundations, and local government. With experience in state and federal advocacy, his interests encompass strategic planning, fiscal policy, and mission-driven leadership.

Arnold L Goldman, DVM, MPH, CEM

“In accepting this role I delineated an important goal for my term as IVPA president, one that in my view will be the most consequential to our cause. That is to grow is our membership by an order of magnitude, such that we qualify for admission into the AVMA House of Delegates as an Allied Group,” expressed Goldman in a release.³

“Encouragement of membership growth and with it the opportunity to exert optimal influence isn't a one person show. It is every IVPA member's role too, if we hope to preserve independent practice as a desirable professional destination,” he continued.³ “With so much anxiety about and concern for professional burnout roiling the professional lives and ambitions of our colleagues, it is perhaps counterintuitive that the straightest path to professional autonomy, personal satisfaction and work-life balance is through practice ownership.”

Jamie Cohen, LCSW, social worker at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center

Jamie Cohen, LCSW, social worker at Schwarzman Animal Medical Center. (Photo courtesy of Schwarzman Animal Medical Center)

Jamie Cohen recently joined Schwarzman Animal Medical Center (AMC) as its full-time, onsite, licensed clinical social worker. Her role will include providing practical and emotional support for difficulties that arise from the illness or loss of an animal companion. Cohen has more than 11 years of experience assisting trauma survivors of all ages and providing support to individuals and families coping with the loss of a loved animal companion. Her skills encompass crisis intervention, grief counseling, and trauma support, with her most recent role being in the Victim Services Unit at the Kings County District Attorney’s Office. She earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Washington University in St. Louis.⁴

“I am excited to be a part of the AMC team,” said Cohen in an organizational release.⁴ “When I found out that AMC offered social work services to pet owners, I was so moved. For many, the loss of a pet can be even more intense than the loss of another human. As a pet parent of 2 furbabies, I understand that pets can become members of the family. I am happy to be able to provide support to those struggling as they navigate the challenges of caring for their sick pets, as well as grieving the loss of their beloved pet.”

“Veterinary social work has become an important subspecialty of social work that focuses on supporting the needs of the human side of the relationships between people and animals,” Helen M. Irving, RN, MBA, president and CEO of AMC, stated in the release.⁴ “We are seeing a real need for resources and services with our pet parents and are thrilled to welcome Jamie Cohen, who will help these families navigate complex and often difficult moments in their lives, as part of our compassionate and expert team at AMC.”

Samantha Allan, BVSc, CEO of Animal Health Australia

Samantha Allan, BVSc, CEO of Animal Health Australia. (Photo courtesy of Animal Health Australia)

Animal Health Australia (AHA), a nonprofit national organization that protects, improves, and enhances Australia’s animal health and biosecurity, welcomed Samantha Allan as its new CEO. According to the organization, prior to her recent appointment, Allan was the general manager of Emergency Preparedness, Animal Health and Biosecurity at AHA for 5 years. According to the AHA Board, the organization faces a pivotal point, and Allan’s appointment comes as the company aims to improve their biosecurity prevention, preparedness, and response capabilities.⁵

“We look forward to welcoming the new leadership from Dr Allan and know that together with our members and the team at AHA she will work tirelessly to continue protecting our Australian livestock sector from the rising threat of incursions,” expressed Sharon Starick, chair of the AHA Board, in a news release.⁵ ““Plus, her commitment to our members – listening, learning, advising and recognizing their diverse needs has been impeccable.”

“It’s a tremendous privilege to work alongside the talented AHA team and our members to ensure that our livestock industries can continue to produce world-class food and fibre,” said Allan in the release.⁵ “The biosecurity space has never faced more challenges, with the current avian influenza outbreak an example of the increased biosecurity threats we face. However, it also shows the power of collaboration – with our industry and government members working together to manage the outbreak effectively and promptly.”

References

1. Petco names Joel D. Anderson as chief executive officer. News release. Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. July 17, 2024.
2. LSU Vet Med announces new Veterinary Clinical Sciences department head. News release. Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine. July 12, 2024. Accessed July 25, 2024. https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/news/2024/mitchell_vcs_head.php
3. Goldman AL. Former AVMA treasurer Dr. Arnold L. Goldman assumes presidency of Independent Veterinary Practitioners Association (IVPA). News release. July 22, 2024.
4. Schwarzman Animal Medical Center announces Jamie Cohen, LCSW, as AMC’s veterinary social worker. News release. July 25, 2024. Accessed July 25, 2024.
5. Leadership change at Animal Health Australia marks new era. News release. Animal Health Australia. July 12, 2024. Accessed July 26, 2024. https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au/leadership-change-at-animal-health-australia-marks-new-era/