President’s Letter

Dear AAIV Members, As we begin a new year, I am honored to serve as president of the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. January is a natural time for reflection and renewal, and an opportunity to look ahead with intention—both as individuals and as an organization. Our focus for the year ahead is clear: growing our membership and meeting the evolving needs of our members through meaningful education and effective advocacy. Industry veterinarians play a vital and increasingly visible role across animal health, research, regulatory affairs and innovation. Ensuring that AAIV remains a professional home for this diverse and expanding community is one of our highest priorities. Growing our membership is not simply about numbers. It is about strengthening our collective voice, expanding our professional network and ensuring that veterinarians working in industry—at every career stage—see AAIV as relevant, welcoming and indispensable. Education remains central to that commitment. AAIV will continue to focus on high-quality educational offerings that are practical, forward-thinking and responsive to the real-world challenges our members face with professional development, leadership and interdisciplinary perspectives that support success in industry careers. Equally important is advocacy. AAIV exists to represent and advance the interests of industry veterinarians and we take that responsibility seriously. Through our seat in the House of Delegates of AVMA, AAIV is the voice of industry veterinarians within the AVMA, we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that support our members and the important work they do. I would like to personally invite you to join us at the AAIV Networking Meeting during the VMX Conference. This gathering is an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues across industry sectors, welcome new members, strengthen the professional relationships that make our association thrive and share your feedback about what you want from the AAIV. Whether you are attending VMX for the first time or are a long-time participant, we encourage you to stop by, reconnect, and bring a colleague who may be interested in learning more about AAIV. None of this work happens without the dedication of our board, officers and volunteers who contribute their time, ideas and expertise. I am deeply grateful for their commitment and inspired by the energy and vision they bring to our association. As we move into the year ahead, I invite you to stay engaged, share your perspectives and help shape the future of AAIV. Together, we will continue to build a strong, connected and forward-looking community for industry veterinarians. I look forward to seeing many of you at our WVC networking event and/or connecting with you in the year ahead. Respectfully, Carolyn Luther, D.V.M. President, American Association of Industry Veterinarians (AAIV)

Dear AAIV Members, As we welcome the fall season and approach the holidays, I find myself reflecting on my time as AAIV President with deep gratitude and excitement for the future. It’s hard to believe how quickly this year has flown by—wasn’t it just spring yesterday? Whether you’re already ahead on holiday shopping or, like me, still wondering when you’ll find the time, I hope you’re embracing the season’s energy and joy. Serving as AAIV President has been an absolute honor. I am continually inspired by the dedication, talent, and warmth of our members—people who are passionate about making a difference in industry. Thank you for the trust you placed in me and for the privilege of working alongside such a vibrant network. This year, our mentorship program, events and the connections we’ve fostered have truly strengthened our community. I’m especially grateful to our outgoing board members who contributed to AAIV’s success. Your enthusiasm and support have made a real impact – Thank you! It’s now time to pass the baton. In January, Dr. Carolyn Luther from Hill’s Pet Nutrition will step into the role of AAIV president. Carolyn brings energy, vision and a deep commitment to our organization, and I’m confident she will lead AAIV to new heights. We’re also thrilled to welcome our incoming board members, whose dedication will be instrumental in our ongoing mission. Are you headed to VMX? Don’t miss our morning coffee networking reception! Mark your calendars for Sunday, January 18, 7:30–9 a.m. , at the Plaza Intl Ballroom F in the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Enjoy breakfast, coffee and the chance to connect with fellow industry veterinarians and technicians—whether you’re exploring new opportunities or catching up with old friends. Plus, our Learning and Leadership track returns! On Saturday, industry experts will speak on topics from leading from where you are now to mastering the art of strategic overreach. On Monday and Tuesday, virtual sessions will be offered on several topics, including mentorship for career transition, virtual networking tips in vet med and more. Lastly, the VMX Masterclass on Veterinary Resume and Interview Skills will be held on Tuesday at 8 a.m.; expertise provided by Stacy Pursell and Dr. Debra Nickelson. These sessions are a fantastic opportunity to learn, grow and network! As I transition out of this role, I’m excited to see AAIV continue to grow under Carolyn’s leadership and our new board. We’re eager to hear your ideas for how AAIV can best support you in 2026 and beyond. Please share your comments, suggestions or dreams for the future—let’s shape the next chapter together! Thank you for your continued support and for making AAIV such a special community. Wishing you a safe, healthy and happy holiday season. Here’s to the future! With gratitude,

Dear AAIV Members, This morning, as I gathered yet another generous bowl of cherry tomatoes from my garden, I couldn’t help but notice that the trees in my backyard are starting to lose their vibrant green — signaling the first hints of autumn. I welcome the cooler weather and the beautiful colors that fall brings. And truth be told, I’m also ready for my garden to slow down — I’m running out of creative ways to use all these tomatoes! I’m equally excited about what AAIV has planned for this fall season. First up, our autumn webinar is scheduled from Noon to 1 p.m. CT on Sept. 8 . Our topic, Generative AI , is one that’s capturing everyone’s attention. Many of us have heard that AI can boost productivity and reduce stress but might feel unsure about where to start. This session will provide a foundational introduction to Generative Artificial Intelligence and its expanding role across professional and creative fields. We’ll explore how generative AI models learn patterns, predict content and create original outputs like text and images. Through engaging activities and thoughtful discussions on ethics, you’ll gain practical experience using AI tools for brainstorming, writing and personalized learning. If you haven’t registered already, you can do so here . This webinar is complimentary for all AAIV members and offers 1 hour of RACE-approved CE credit. Following that, we’ll host a virtual all-member meeting at 5-6:30 p.m. CT on Tuesday, Oct. 7 . This is your chance to hear updates on AAIV’s key initiatives — mentorship, educational webinars, networking, representation in the AVMA House of Delegates and more. Most importantly, we want to hear from you! How can we better support you as an industry veterinarian? What topics matter most to you? What educational content would you like us to offer? I encourage you to join this informative session. Let us know you plan to join here . Lastly, the AAIV elections are coming up in October. Are you interested in serving on our board? Or do you know someone who would be a great fit? We are currently accepting applications for the positions of President-Elect, Vice President of Marketing and External Communications, Vice President of Internal Communications and three Board Member roles. For detailed position descriptions, please click here . To be considered, submit your completed candidate nomination form to industryvets@aaivet.org by 5 p.m. CT on Thursday, Oct . 9 . Voting will take place from Oct. 14-28. Newly elected officers and board members will be notified in early November and invited to join the December 2025 board meeting to meet the team. Whether at the fall webinar or the all-member meeting, I look forward to connecting with you soon. I’d love to hear your ideas on how we can make AAIV even better — and if you have any favorite recipes or creative uses for cherry tomatoes, please do share! Warm regards,

Dear AAIV Members, Spring is one of my favorite times of year. I usually find myself dreaming about planting my garden or getting on my paddleboard for that first trip across the lake. This year, I confess, my heart is a little more somber. At work, I serve an area that has been particularly hard hit by storms and flooding. I see economic uncertainty creating anxiety for people, both at home and at work. Many of our veterinary colleagues have been affected by recent changes at federal agencies. That’s why I am grateful to be part of an organization that helps veterinarians and technicians grow and thrive in the face of change. One of my favorite initiatives is our mentorship program. Members seeking their first role in industry can ask to be paired with a tenured industry professional. I’ve heard some truly inspiring stories from this group. You can read several mentee’s stories here . I hope you will consider participating in our mentorship program today. AAIV also provides continuing education to help members develop as professionals. Our next webinar is on May 22, How to Break Into Non-Clinical Veterinary Jobs . Whether you’re a veterinarian or a technician, this webinar is meant to guide you through your transition from clinical practice to an industry role. Are you working in industry but contemplating your next career step? Don’t forget that members can access our archive of past webinars. Recent offerings have included titles such as Getting to the Interview and Winning It, How to Become and Stay Relevant in Changing Times , and Leveraging LinkedIn to Grow Your Professional Network . If you are planning to attend the upcoming AVMA Convention in Washington, D.C., please check out AAIV’s CE offerings at the conference. I’d also love to meet you at our morning networking reception . Enjoy a cup of coffee and a bagel while connecting with fellow industry veterinarians. There is no better way to exchange ideas and expand your professional network. In closing, I want to thank you for your continued participation in AAIV. We are always looking for new ways to serve our members. Do you have an idea for a program, webinar or resource? Please reach out! This is your organization, and we want to hear from YOU! Warm regards,

Dear AAIV Members, Whenever I gaze at a snow-covered landscape, I feel a sense of peace and serenity. That Zen moment is a welcome respite during this busy season. Trade shows, company meetings, educational events and, of course, family commitments, keep our lives moving at a fast pace in winter. I couldn’t be more honored to step into the role of AAIV President at this time. I am grateful for the trust you’ve placed in me, and I’m excited to work with such a creative, enthusiastic board. I’d like to extend a special welcome to our new board members: Doctors AJ Joshi, Jim Lowe, Shirin Modaresi and Jason Pozzuoli, as well as our inaugural technician board member, Jamie Rauscher, LVT. This year, we’re planning to continue work that enhances AAIV’s mission: to promote the value of veterinarians in human and animal healthcare industries. Now that we’ve added veterinary technicians to our membership, we’ll strive to elevate their vital roles in industry, too. One of our primary objectives is to bring members together to meet and exchange ideas. If you attended our networking event at VMX, thank you! If you couldn’t join us, I hope you’ll consider attending our socials at the WVC at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas , and at the AVMA Convention in Washington, D.C., in July (registration for this event coming soon!). AAIV offers other benefits too. Live and virtual CE focuses on educational topics pertinent to veterinary professionals working outside clinical practice. Our mentorship program helps professionals prepare for their first job in industry. Our work on behalf of industry professionals in the AVMA House of Delegates is ongoing. One of the goals of this year’s board is to find more ways to enrich membership in AAIV. If you’ve made it to the end of this letter, I hope you’ll take a moment to respond. What do you like best about AAIV? How can we better serve you? If you have an idea for a CE event or other program, please share it with us . I look forward to hearing from you. I hope this will be the beginning of an interesting and productive conversation. With gratitude,

Dear AAIV Members, As we welcome the fall season, I find myself writing my final message as President of AAIV. It’s been an absolute honor to serve in this role and to be part of such a dedicated community of veterinarians in industry. I’m incredibly grateful for the trust you placed in me and for the chance to work alongside so many talented, passionate professionals. I’d like to give a warm welcome to Dr. Ann Korbel, who will be stepping into the role of President. I know Ann will bring energy, vision, and continued dedication to leading AAIV into the future. We’re also thrilled to welcome our incoming board members, whose commitment will be instrumental in AAIV’s ongoing mission. To our outgoing board and each of you who contributed to AAIV this year, thank you. Your support, enthusiasm, and contributions have made a real impact and have strengthened our community. I’m proud of all we’ve accomplished together—from our mentorship programs and events to the incredible network we continue to build. As I transition out of this role, I’m looking forward to seeing how AAIV will continue to grow under Ann’s leadership. Thank you all for the privilege of serving, and here’s to the future! With gratitude,

Dear AAIV Members, As I write this newsletter, I can’t believe the start of school is only three weeks away for my son, who is an incoming freshman. His summer has been just as busy as the school year, filled with high school weight training, football and basketball practices, and an online summer school class. As we enter the latter half of summer, I find myself amidst the excitement and chaos of packing for a vacation. I am so looking forward to time away, but I understand all too well the busyness that surrounds preparing for and returning from a trip. Sometimes, the sheer volume of pre- and post-vacation tasks can make us reconsider the value of taking time off altogether. However, I want to emphasize how essential it is to push through that busyness and prioritize our well-being by stepping away from work. Recently, I heard a piece of advice that resonated deeply with me: do one thing each day to “take back your day.” This is a challenge that I’m taking on for the rest of the summer. In my own life, I’ve started incorporating small but meaningful activities that help me reconnect with myself and unwind: Watering My Garden : Spending time (attempting to) nurture my plants not only brings me joy but also offers a peaceful break from daily stress. Grounding with Bare Feet : Feeling the earth beneath my feet in my yard helps me feel centered and grounded. Eating Lunch Outside : A change of scenery, fresh air and a moment of tranquility make a world of difference during a busy day. Having a Glass of Wine with My Husband : This is a simple habit that helps me break away from work and shifts my focus back to my family. Playing Ball with My Dogs : Just a few minutes outside with my dogs usually brings me some laughs; it’s good for my dogs and gives me a refreshing break. These “take back my day” moments remind me of the importance of carving out time for myself amidst my busy schedule. Taking a vacation is an extended version of these daily practices. It allows us to truly disconnect from work, recharge and return with renewed energy and creativity. I know it’s hard for so many of us to turn the work emails off on our phones and not take our computers with us. I struggle with this and I don’t always succeed, but I have good intentions. Make Vacation a Priority! I encourage each of you to plan and prioritize your vacations. Whether it’s an elaborate trip or a simple staycation, the key is to disconnect and focus on activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Upcoming Events While you plan your next getaway, don’t forget about the exciting events we have lined up: How to Break Into Non-Clinical Veterinary Jobs : Aug. 19, 2024, 6:00 p.m. CT AAIV Virtual Networking Event : September 23, 2024, 5:00 p.m. CT Getting to the Interview and Winning It : October 28, 2024, 6:00 p.m. CT Taking time off is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining our well-being and effectiveness in our careers. As I prepare for my own vacation, I hope you find inspiration to prioritize your personal time and reap the many benefits that come with it. Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable remainder of the summer! Warm regards,

Dear AAIV Members, When I think of spring, I envision beauty, new opportunities and growth. It’s a season that inspires fresh perspectives and energizes us for what lies ahead. I recently embarked on a new chapter, transitioning into a new role and organization. This experience reinforced the value of reflection and seizing new opportunities. For those considering a shift from clinical practice to an industry role or exploring new avenues within non-clinical practice, I encourage you to engage in a reflective exercise. Spend a few moments to take stock of your strengths, passions and career aspirations to ensure your next step aligns with your personal and professional goals. Over the past few months, I’ve started my day by spending time in reflection and stillness. It has helped me immensely in setting the tone for the day! If you are unsure of your next steps, don’t forget about our mentoring program. You can request a mentor or sign up to be a mentor here: https://aaivet.org/mentoring/ . Looking ahead, we have two exciting events lined up to address common challenges faced by industry professionals. In May, join us for the Parents Who Travel Panel Discussion , where our panel will delve into their strategies for balancing the demands of an industry job with family and pet responsibilities. This promises to be an enlightening discussion with practical insights from seasoned professionals who’ve successfully (and even at times, unsuccessfully) managed these challenges. We invite you to bring your questions and personal experiences. This is sure to be a great discussion! Additionally, mark your calendars for our June webinar focused on setting boundaries . Whether it’s navigating workload expectations or finding harmony between work and personal life, setting clear boundaries is essential for overall well-being. This webinar aims to equip you with practical strategies to establish and maintain healthy boundaries in your professional journey. As we prepare for the upcoming AVMA Convention in Austin, Texas, I invite you to register for our networking reception . This event presents a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow industry veterinarians, exchange ideas, and expand your professional network. This is another great opportunity for those who aren’t quite sure what an industry role is. Feel free to bring a friend who has expressed interest! At the networking reception, attendees can look forward to enjoying coffee, tea and light breakfast pastries while engaging in lively conversations with experienced non-clinical veterinarians. Whether you’re seeking information about industry roles, exploring job opportunities, or looking to connect with potential candidates, this event provides the perfect setting to expand your professional network and gain valuable insights. Thank you for your continued support and participation in AAIV. Let’s embrace the opportunities for growth and collaboration this season brings.

President’s Perspective Dear AAIV Members, As we step into the promise of a new year, I am honored to serve as the President of the AAIV. Winter invites us to reflect and set intentions for the coming year, and I invite each of you to join me on this journey. Reflecting on 2023, we celebrate significant milestones and achievements. The inclusion of veterinary technicians as affiliate members has expanded our community, bringing diverse expertise to enrich AAIV. Our mentorship program successfully matched 21 mentors and mentees, fostering professional growth within our community. Hosting four webinars, which were free for members, and organizing two in-person and one virtual networking reception kept us connected and informed. Looking ahead to 2024, we’ve already made strides. Our recent in-person networking reception at VMX broke attendance records, marking a successful turnout. We hosted the AAIV Learning and Leadership Program, featuring knowledgeable speakers offering insights and advice for those interested in industry roles or those seeking professional development. Excitingly, our webinar series kicks off on March 18 and continues to be free for members. This year, we also will introduce practical virtual and in-person roundtables tailored to the interests of industry veterinarians. Keep an eye out for our upcoming compensation survey, providing valuable insights from colleagues nationwide. Our next in-person networking reception is scheduled for AVMA, with details on our next virtual reception coming soon. I extend my gratitude to the outgoing board and our past president, Dr. Allison Sateren, for their dedicated service. Their efforts have laid a robust foundation for the exciting developments that lie ahead. For those who haven’t already, I encourage you to sign up for AAIV membership and unlock the benefits it offers—connections with like-minded professionals, staying informed about industry trends, mentorship opportunities and exclusive educational content. Let’s make 2024 a year of growth and collaboration. Together, we can create an environment where each member THRIVES in their career. Visit our website to sign up for membership and explore the full spectrum of benefits that AAIV has to offer. Here’s to a year of collective success and individual achievements! Warm regards,