Paws and profits: Recent veterinary business appointments

Exceptional leadership in the veterinary field is important for improving pet care standards and supporting the growth of veterinary professionals. By fostering a culture that encourages creativity and growth, leaders in this field can help shape the future of pet healthcare. Moreover, progress in veterinary medicine and industry trends not only benefits pet well-being but also helps their teams succeed in their careers.

Recently, organizations have announced new promotions and appointments. Here are some individuals who are advancing in their careers:

Stuart Reid, CBE, BVMS, PhD, DVM, DipECVPH, FRSE, FRCVS, CEO, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges

Stuart Reid, CBE, BVMS, PhD, DVM, DipECVPH, FRSE, FRCVS. (Photo courtesy of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges and the American Veterinary Medical Association)

The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) has announced that Stuart Reid, CBE, BVMS, PhD, DVM, DipECVPH, FRSE, FRCVS, will assume the role of CEO for the organization beginning August 1, 2025.

Reid’s background includes being dean of the University of Glasgow School of Veterinary Medicine in the United Kingdom from 2005 to 2011 and president and principal of the Royal Veterinary College in London since 2011. Reid has served on its board twice and led important initiatives. Reid will step down as president-elect to prevent any conflicts of interest, according to the AAVMC.

“I am delighted to be joining the AAVMC and to play a role in developing and promoting academic veterinary medicine on the international stage. Building on Dr. Maccabe’s tenure and working with the AAVMC Board and Assembly of Deans, there has never been a time of greater need for veterinary professionals. I look forward to resolving the challenges faced by our academic institutions and strengthening the profession and relationships with our stakeholders,” said Reid in a news release.¹

Michael Streitz, DVM, MPH, American Veterinary Medical Association congressional fellow

Michael Streitz, DVM, of Minnesota, will be undertaking his American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) congressional fellowship in the office of US Congresswoman Kim Schrier (WA-08), according to a news release.² The AVMA Fellowship Program offers the opportunity to influence public policy.

Streitz will use his knowledge as a veterinarian and his latest experience as a policy liaison fellow at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to act as a scientific advisor to Rep. Schrier and her staff, working alongside Congress members to develop and influence legislation on a wide array of policy issues.²

“I am thrilled to join Representative Schrier’s office as an AVMA congressional fellow for the coming year,” Streitz said in a news release.² “Veterinarians are uniquely positioned to approach health policy holistically, leveraging our expertise in food safety, animal wellness, and wildlife management to tackle complex legislative challenges. I look forward to supporting the Congresswoman in advancing her health and agriculture policy initiatives for the 8th district of Washington and the American people as a whole.”

Martine Boon, MA, managing director, GMP+ International

Martine Boon, MA. (Photo courtesy of Feed Additive International Magazine For Animal Feed & Additives Industry)

Martine Boon was recently assumed the role of the new managing director for GMP+ International, a global initiative focused on animal feed safety and sustainability. Boon, who has a background in agricultural economics, comes to GMP+ from her role as director of food & agriculture transition and sector management at Rabobank. She brings extensive experience in agricultural financing, agrifood-tech startups, and management, according to a news release.³

“I feel fortunate to have the opportunity to help build on GMP+’s foundations, and work together with the community to ensure safe and sustainable feed, worldwide,” said Boone in the release.³

“This is something I am committed to doing in partnership, together with our community of certified companies, experts, Certification Bodies, and the GMP+ team. Providing workable and meaningful standards that not only make the industry safe and sustainable but are also valued by the companies that use them is something that can only come from working together,” she continued.³

Justin Saunders, CPA, vice president, finance, Evette

Evette recently announced 2 leadership appointments, naming Justin Saunders, CPA, its vice president of finance and Michelle Sanders the vice president of human resources.

Saunders is joining Evette after a career in corporate finance and accounting. He previously spent 6 years at American Airlines, overseeing financial operations for 3 major aircraft maintenance facilities. In the last 4 years, Saunders worked on improving financial strategies for smaller SaaS and private equity firms. In his new position, Saunders will collaborate with Evette’s leadership team to improve financial metrics and use them to drive the company’s growth.

"I am thrilled to join Evette during this exciting period of growth. As we face a shortage of pet care providers, it's crucial that we grow the business by expanding our network of veterinary professionals and provide them with the tools and resources they need to be successful, ultimately improving the availability of care for pets and their families across the country," said Saunders in an organizational release.⁴ "I look forward to leveraging my financial expertise to share Evette’s mission and demonstrate what they’re capable of doing for the veterinary industry.”

Michelle Sanders, vice president, human resources, Evette

Michelle Sanders joins Evette with more 20 years of experience in human resources. She is recognized for her skill in building effective organizational structures and advising C-level executives and boards to optimize company and employee performance. In her new role, she will improve Evette's human resources’ operations and broaden the team's offerings.

“Being a lifelong pet owner, I have always admired the veterinary field and the important role it plays for so many families in the U.S.,” said Sanders in a news release.⁴ “Joining Evette felt like the perfect opportunity to merge my love for animals with my professional abilities. I am excited to be able to contribute to the company's expansion and begin merging our company’s internal and external processes to create an outstanding and innovative workplace for both our employees and our veterinarians."

References

1. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) Board of Directors announces appointment of new chief executive officer. News release. American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges. October 2, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://www.aavmc.org/news/american-association-of-veterinary-medical-colleges-aavmc-board-of-directors-announces-appointment-of-new-chief-executive-officer/
2. 2024-2025 AVMA fellow to join congressional office. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. October 8, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://www.avma.org/news/press-releases/2024-2025-avma-fellow-join-congressional-office
3. GMP+ International appoints Martine Boon as managing director. News release. Feed Additive International Magazine For Animal Feed & Additives Industry. September 4, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://www.feedandadditive.com/gmp-international-appoints-martine-boon-as-managing-director/
4. Evette accelerates internal growth by appointing two members to their leadership team. News release. Evette. October 9, 2024. Accessed October 18, 2024. [email]