Helfat wins AVMA Executive Board election

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This April Dr. Mark P. Helfat of Lumberton, N.J., was declared winner of the election for District II representative on the AVMA Executive Board.

Dr. Helfat received more votes from AVMA members living in District II than challenger Dr. Charles S. Dunn of Media, Pa. He will succeed Dr. John R. Brooks on the Executive Board when Dr. Brooks' six-year term expires this July.

Dr. Mark P. Helfat
Dr. Helfat

District II is one of 11 geographic boundaries designated by the AVMA Bylaws and comprises Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

"It's an honor to be elected by the 9,700 AVMA members in District II to represent the interests of our membership on the Executive Board," Dr. Helfat said. "I received a huge amount of support from all of the VMAs in my district, and I thank them all. I look forward to six years of hard work and dedicated service to the Association and its loyal membership."

The New Jersey VMA nominated Dr. Helfat for the board seat. A 1977 Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Dr. Helfat owns a mixed animal practice but also makes time to volunteer in his state and local VMAs as well as the AVMA. He is a former president of both the New Jersey and South Jersey VMAs.

With the AVMA Dr. Helfat served in the House of Delegates for nine years, including seven years on the House Advisory Committee and one year as committee chair. He also contributed to the revision of the AVMA Bylaws and the Manual of the AVMA House of Delegates.

During the campaign, Dr. Helfat said serving on the Executive Board is an opportunity for him to assist the AVMA as it addresses veterinary education, diversity, and the scope of practice—issues that will affect the profession for years to come.