Alabama VMA

Event: Emerald Coast Veterinary Conference, June 1-2, Sandestin, Florida
Awards: Distinguished Service Award: Dr. Jerome Williams, Birmingham, for exceptional achievements and contributions to the advancement of the profession. A 1969 graduate of the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Williams is the founder of Red Mountain Animal Clinic in Homewood. He also serves as resident veterinarian on Birmingham Fox 6 News programs and is a national news reporter for the Veterinary News Network. Early in his career, Dr. Williams practiced in Chicago and worked for the Department of Agriculture. President of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation, he is a past president of the Jefferson County VMA and a past chair of the ALVMA Wellness Committee. Dr. Williams serves as director of the Alabama Veterinary Professional Wellness Program and is founder and director of the Red Mountain Wellness and Restoration Foundation. Layperson-of-the-Year Award: Priscilla Blenkinsopp, Elkmont, for contributions toward advancement of the profession and the association. On-site director of the Athens-Limestone Animal Shelter, Blenkinsopp has worked in animal rescue for more than 25 years. She has developed a vast network of foster homes, volunteers, transport assistants, and rescue groups that help place more than a thousand pets each year.
Officials: Drs. Harold Pate Jr., Lowndesboro, president; Charles Ashwander, Decatur, president-elect; James H. Lee, Atmore, vice president; Ralph W. Womer Jr., Auburn, treasurer; C. Alan Jones, Hazel Green, member-at-large; and T.C. Branch, Birmingham, immediate past president