Dee, Meyer elected to AVMA Executive Board
Drs. Larry G. Dee of Hollywood, Fla., and Thomas F. Meyer of Vancouver, Wash., were elected this February in uncontested races to the AVMA Executive Board representing districts IV and XI, respectively. They will be installed on the board at its July 23 meeting in New Orleans.
The two veterinarians are succeeding Drs. Larry R. Corry of Buford, Ga.,—AVMA president-elect nominee—and Richard E. Coon of Forest Grove, Ore.
Dr. Dee will represent Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico on the board; Dr. Meyer will represent Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming.
A 1969 graduate of Auburn University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Dee comes from a family of veterinarians: his father and uncle founded the small animal practice where Dr. Dee works with his two brothers, James and Jon. Today, he co-owns the practice, which employs 18 veterinarians.
Dr. Dee is a charter diplomate of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners—Canine and Feline Practice. Along with his work in private practice, Dr. Dee is an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Medical Sciences at the University of Florida.
Dr. Dee has been active in organized veterinary medicine for much of his career. He has been president of the American Animal Hospital Association, Florida VMA, ABVP, and World Small Animal Veterinary Association.
In 1992, Dr. Dee was the alternate delegate for the AAHA in the AVMA House of Delegates. Additionally, from 1994-1997, he was Florida's alternate delegate in the House of Delegates. He served as delegate from 1997-2005 and again as alternate delegate from 2005 until the present.
Dr. Dee spent the early years of his career working with former AVMA President William F. Jackson, whom he credited with growing his appreciation for continuing education and service to the veterinary profession. "His mentorship, as well as that of my father, Clarence E. Dee, helped me develop a work ethic that has held me in good stead," Dr. Dee said.
Dr. Meyer is a 1978 graduate of Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine and co-owner with his wife, Dr. Jean Meyer, of a mixed animal practice employing three veterinarians.
A former president of the Washington State VMA, Dr. Meyer has served in the AVMA HOD since 1995—first as the alternate delegate for Washington and now as the delegate. From 1999-2007, he represented private equine practitioners on the House Advisory Committee, which he chaired from 2002-2003. Dr. Meyer was also the equine representative on the AVMA Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee from 1998-2004.
Dr. Meyer's interest in leadership development led him to be an advocate for the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Experience, a program that teaches veterinary students to better communicate and collaborate with one another.
Years of experience in private practice and organized veterinary medicine have prepared Dr. Meyer to represent the interests of AVMA members in District XI on the Executive Board.
"It's an exciting time to be a part of the AVMA and the Executive Board. One of the most important things that the Executive Board must do is prepare the AVMA for the next generation," Dr. Meyer said. "I feel that the Executive Board represents the members of the AVMA and we are a members-driven organization, so I think it's really a privilege to represent the members of the AVMA, and particularly the 11th District."