AAEP announces new leaders, budget increase

Five new representatives to the AAEP board of directors began their terms at the end of the AAEP Annual Convention in New Orleans, Nov. 22-25.

Dr. Thomas D. Brokken of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., the president of a nine-veterinarian practice devoted to the care of Thoroughbreds, will serve as 2004 AAEP vice president. Dr. Kenneth Jackson "Jack" Easley, a owner of an ambulatory practice in Shelbyville, Ky., will represent District IV. Dr. Justin B. Janssen, the owner of a five-veterinarian practice in Sheridan, Ind., will represent District V. Dr. Eric S. Peterson, an equine practitioner who owns a mixed practice in Delta, Colo., will represent District VI. Dr. Jeffrey Berk, a partner at an equine hospital in Ocala, Fla., will serve as the director at large. Ray Paulick of Lexington, Ky., editor-in-chief of The Blood-Horse and executive vice president and editorial director of Blood-Horse Publications, will represent the equine industry.

At the general membership meeting, Dr. John S. Mitchell, the AAEP treasurer, said investments have fared well despite the difficult economic times, and announced that the AAEP budget for 2004 has been increased to $3.6 million from $3 million in 2003.

Dr. Thomas R. Lenz, the 2003 AAEP president, announced a change to the association's bylaws and constitution that will give honor roll members complimentary convention registration.