AVMA Hires Dr. Joan Arnoldi as Assistant Director in the Animal Welfare Division

— As part of its continuing effort to be the leading scientific voice on animal-welfare related issues, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has hired Joan Arnoldi, MS, DVM, as an assistant director in its Animal Welfare Division.

In this position, Dr. Arnoldi will help support the efforts of the AVMA's Animal Welfare Committee and its Division, both of which work to ensure AVMA animal welfare policies are science-based and socially responsible.

"I'm excited about this new opportunity to serve my profession and colleagues at the AVMA," Dr. Arnoldi says. "I hope to use the experience I gained in federal and state government and as a veterinary clinician to bring insight to the field. Animal welfare is one of the most challenging and fascinating aspects of veterinary medicine today, so I look forward to working for the betterment of the lives of all animal species."

Specifically, Dr. Arnoldi will assist other Animal Welfare Division staff in implementing AVMA policies and objectives related to animal well being on the farm, covering everything from cattle, poultry, swine, and small ruminants to horses. She will work with committee members and other volunteer leadership at the Association and help implement approved programs to achieve the Association's purpose, goals and communications strategies related to farmed animal welfare issues.

"Dr. Arnoldi brings a wealth of experience in governmental affairs and private practice to the Animal Welfare Division, and we are extremely fortunate to have her on board with us," explains Dr. Gail Golab, director of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division. "Dr. Arnoldi's strong background in regulatory affairs, as well as her ability to successfully engage stakeholders, will be very useful to the Animal Welfare Division as it works to support the AVMA's strategic goal of being an 'advocate for and an authoritative science-based resource on animal welfare.' "

Prior to coming to the AVMA, Dr. Arnoldi held a number of influential positions within USDA, including Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Enforcement and Animal Care, Director of the National Veterinary Services Laboratories, Deputy Administrator for Veterinary Services, and Associate Administrator for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

Dr. Arnoldi was the first woman in the United States to be appointed a state veterinarian and received an award for being the first woman to serve on the organization that represents state veterinarians, the National Assembly of Chief Livestock Health Officials, where she was elected second and third vice president. Dr. Arnoldi worked as state veterinarian for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, and as state veterinarian for the Michigan Department of Agriculture.

Dr. Arnoldi received her doctorate in veterinary medicine and a master's in mammalian physiology from the University of Illinois.

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The AVMA and its more than 78,000 member veterinarians are engaged in a wide variety of activities dedicated to advancing the science and art of animal, human and public health. Visit the AVMA Web site at www.avma.org for more information.