As executive vice president of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Dr. W. Ron DeHaven serves over 80,000 members of the AVMA as they work to meet the challenges of improving both human and animal health in the 21st century. Dr. DeHaven leads a staff of 140 employees and manages an operating budget of approximately $28.5 million. The AVMA, founded in 1863, is one of the oldest and largest veterinary medical organizations in the world, whose members are dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine, including its relationship to public health and agriculture.

Dr. DeHaven has more than two decades of experience with the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and gained national prominence in 2003 and 2004 when chronic wasting disease and bovine spongiform encephalopathy were making headlines. Dr. DeHaven received the President's Rank Awards (Meritorious and Distinguished) for his leadership. He also received the Secretary's Honor Award twice. The AVMA honored Dr. DeHaven's contributions to the veterinary profession with the Meritorious Service Award in 2004. He also received the Roswell Award from the Scientists Center for Animal Welfare, and an honorary degree from Purdue University.

As APHIS administrator, Dr. DeHaven was ultimately responsible for the protection of U.S. agriculture and natural resources from exotic pests and diseases, administering the Animal Welfare Act, and carrying out wildlife damage management activities. Prior to being selected APHIS Administrator, Dr. DeHaven served as deputy administrator for APHIS' Veterinary Services program. Dr. DeHaven also served as acting associate administrator for APHIS from October 2001 through April 2002. From 1996 to 2001, he was the deputy administrator for the Animal Care Unit of APHIS, administering the Animal Welfare Act and the Horse Protection Act. Before assuming the deputy administrator's position, Dr. DeHaven served as the Animal Care Unit's western regional director in Sacramento, Calif., for 7 years. Prior to starting work at APHIS, Dr. DeHaven was commissioned into the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps and served in the U.S. Army Reserves and National Guard.

Dr. DeHaven obtained his doctor of veterinary medicine degree from Purdue University in 1975 and a master's degree in business administration from Millsaps College in 1989.