What Does the AVMA President-Elect Actually Do?

What Does the AVMA President-Elect Actually Do?

(Spoiler: It’s Not a Solo Show — And That’s a Good Thing)

If you’ve been following the AVMA 2025 election journey, you might be wondering:
“What does the President-Elect actually do?”

Is it a figurehead role? Is it all speeches and handshakes? Or is it more like being the CEO of veterinary medicine?

The answer is… somewhere in the middle.

Let’s clear it up — because education and resource sharing is a pillar of my campaign, and I believe everyone deserves a better understanding of how our profession is led.

🧠 First Things First: The President-Elect Is One Voice Among Many

The AVMA President-Elect is a member of the Board of Directors, which helps lead the association’s strategic direction. The board includes 11 district directors, treasurer, vice president, president-elect, president and immediate past president. The president elect attends AVMA BOD meetings, weighs in on policy, represents the AVMA in national and international spaces, and prepares to step into the President role the following year.

But — and this is a big but — no AVMA President-Elect (or President, or Past President) acts alone.

AVMA is supported by:

✅ A highly engaged and knowledgeable staff
✅ A dedicated group of volunteer leaders, including the full Board of Directors
✅ Nearly 140 members of the House of Delegates, representing every state and dozens of allied organizations
✅ A broad ecosystem of councils, committees, and working groups

That means decisions are made collaboratively, through thoughtful conversation, structured processes, and an intentional commitment to representing the entire profession.

🔒 Checks and Balances: No Going Off the Rails

Occasionally, I hear from veterinarians who are nervous about who’s running — worried that one person could “go rogue” and make sweeping changes to the profession on their own.

Let me reassure you: AVMA doesn’t work that way. The role is influential, yes. But it’s also balanced.

There are built-in checks to ensure alignment with the mission and values of the AVMA:

• The Board reviews and discusses major issues as a group before any action is taken.
• The House of Delegates votes on bylaws, resolutions, and key policies.
• The staff provides research, legal review, and logistics to support informed decision-making.

Being President-Elect doesn’t mean being a solo decision-maker. It means being a collaborative leader who brings people together to move the profession forward.

🎤 Preparation Matters: Yes, There’s Media Training

Another question I often get is:  “What if the President says something that doesn’t represent the profession well?”

Good question — and one AVMA has already thought about.

Every AVMA Board member, including the President-Elect, President, and Past President, receives media training. This ensures we’re prepared to speak with clarity, consistency, and professionalism — whether it’s a major media outlet, a podcast, or a town hall Q&A.

We’re coached not just on what to say, but how to listen, how to build trust, and how to make sure our words reflect the profession’s values — not just personal opinions.

It’s not just a role. It’s a responsibility. And I, for one, take that responsibility seriously.

💼 So, What Would I Actually Do as President-Elect?

Let’s make it real. Here are just a few things the AVMA President-Elect might be doing in any given month:

• Attending board meetings, state and allied group meetings and conferences, as well as attending committee and council meetings.
• Representing AVMA at state veterinary organizations, to the general public, and at national events.
• Listening to members (veterinarian members from all areas of the profession) to bring their voices back to the table.
• Meeting with other leaders to discuss the future of our workforce, wellbeing, economics, technology, legislation, and more.
• Collaborating with staff and volunteer leaders on priorities.

And yes — occasionally that includes handshakes, speeches, and big AVMA events. But behind those moments is a ton of prep, purpose, and connection.

💬 Why This Role Matters — And Why I’m Ready

I’ve been part of the AVMA volunteer family for over a decade, and a member even longer — as a member and chair of the Council on Veterinary Service (CoVS), member of the Veterinary Economic Strategy Committee (VESC), as Vice President, telemedicine working group chair, and now, as a candidate for President-Elect. I’m also an alumna of the AVMA Future Leaders Program.

I’ve also been in many of your shoes: a veterinary technician, an associate, a relief doctor, a practice leader, a business owner. I know how decisions at the top impact every exam room, every staff meeting, every client conversation.

That’s partly why I’m running. Not to be the voice — but to help lift all voices.

🙌 Let’s Keep Building a Stronger AVMA — Together

This election isn’t about one person “taking charge.” It’s about choosing someone who can lead with others, not just in front of them.

I hope this helped demystify the role of President-Elect. If you’ve got questions, send them my way. I’d love to hear from you.

We’ve got important work to do — and I’m ready for it.