DeHaven to retire as AVMA CEO
Dr. Ron DeHaven will retire this summer after nine years as AVMA’s executive vice president and CEO.
While a specific retirement date has not been set, Dr. DeHaven will likely remain at the AVMA’s helm until shortly after the Association’s annual convention in San Antonio this August. His departure date may be adjusted if a new chief executive is identified and begins employment sooner, however.
“The Board of Directors respectfully acknowledges Dr. DeHaven’s announcement of retirement and is grateful for the many years of dedicated service that he has brought to the AVMA,” said AVMA Board Chair John de Jong. “Ron’s retirement creates an opportunity for the board to select a new CEO to continue the excellent work that he has started.”
Dr. DeHaven joined the AVMA staff in August 2007 after 28 years of service with the Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, most recently as administrator. He received his DVM degree in 1975 from Purdue University.
There is much left to do, and I will be fully committed in my role at the AVMA over the next several months.”
Dr. Ron DeHaven, CEO, AVMA
“When I came to the AVMA, I joined what is an amazing staff guided by committed, talented volunteer leadership that gives their all to our members, our association, and our profession,” he said. “There is much left to do, and I will be fully committed in my role at the AVMA over the next several months. The profession, our staff, and the members I serve deserve nothing less.”
AVMA President Joe Kinnarney said, “On behalf of the entire membership, I would like to thank Dr. DeHaven for his dedication to the AVMA and bringing us to the next level. The result of his leadership for the past eight years has been a stronger, more member-focused AVMA.”
Under the guidance of its Board of Directors, the AVMA is implementing a new strategic operating plan that is the result of an unprecedented amount of input from its members, which is helping the Association focus on what matters most to veterinarians across professional disciplines.
“We have identified what is most important to our members and what the AVMA can and must do to meet their needs and expectations,” Dr. DeHaven said. “They have told us that advocacy, valuable products and services, high standards of veterinary medical education, and developing leaders are critically important to them and what they expect from their association. I believe we are well-positioned to deliver, going forward.”
Dr. DeHaven said the future of the AVMA and the veterinary profession is firmly grounded through those who share a passion for the work they do.
“I’ve had the opportunity to interact with a dedicated cadre of volunteer leaders and staff, and I am inspired by many of our students and recent graduates. I am very encouraged about the future of our profession,” he said. “I am extremely confident that we have put in place an infrastructure that will serve AVMA and the profession very well and will help provide our members what they need and expect from us.”
Dr. DeHaven and his wife, Nancy, have two children and four grandchildren. They plan on spending as much time as possible visiting and enjoying time with family.
Related JAVMA content:
We are not your father’s AVMA (Nov. 1, 2012)
Q&A DeHaven (May 1, 2007)
DeHaven named AVMA executive vice president (April 15, 2007)