Drs. Daniel S. Aja and Mary Beth Leininger

Dr. Aja is a former president of the American Animal Hospital Association and is the AAHA delegate in the AVMA House of Delegates. He is the owner and hospital director of Cherry Bend Animal Hospital, an AAHA-accredited hospital in Traverse City, Mich.

In addition, Dr. Aja has been a member of the AVMA Strategic Planning Committee, Michigan VMA board of directors, and Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine and has served in numerous capacities for AAHA committees and task forces.

"I'm very pleased to join Hill's in this important position," Dr. Aja said. "Dr. Leininger has had such a prestigious career here at Hill's and has been such a wonderful example for our entire profession. It's humbling to be asked to fill her shoes, but I'll have a wonderful team to work with. I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead."

Dr. Leininger will stay on to assist with Dr Aja's transition through the end of March 2009. She has been active in organized veterinary medicine her entire career and was AVMA president 1996-1997.