AAVMC names Emma Read as new CEO
The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) announced October 29 the appointment of Dr. Emma Read as the organization's new CEO, effective February 1, 2026.
Following an international search, the AAVMC board of directors selected Dr. Read, associate dean for professional programs at The Ohio State University (OSU) College of Veterinary Medicine. She is also the Ruth Stanton chair in veterinary medicine at OSU. The board cited her passion for advancing veterinary clinical skills training as a determining factor.
"Dr. Read possesses the unique combination of visionary leadership, educational innovation, and operational expertise to guide AAVMC forward," AAVMC President and Board Chair Bonnie Rush said in the press release.
"Her expertise in transforming veterinary education through curricular innovation, focus on outcomes assessment, and unwavering commitment to clinical excellence align with our mission," added Dr. Rush, who is dean of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. "The board is confident that under her leadership, we will expand AAVMC's impact and continue to set the standard for veterinary education and institutional growth across the profession."
In her position at AAVMC, Dr. Read will guide the organization's strategic growth, prioritizing support for member institutions through competency-based education implementation, technological integration, faculty development, quality intern and resident training, workforce solutions, and stronger partnerships.
"As I take on the role of CEO at AAVMC, I am deeply honored and energized by the opportunity to work alongside college leaders from around the world to recognize, celebrate, and advance excellence in veterinary education," Dr. Read said in the release.
"While challenges will be inevitable and old problems will demand fresh thinking, I am confident in the creativity and resilience of our community," she added. "At the heart of it all is an enduring truth: veterinary educators have much to be proud of. Together, we will continue to lead courageously—shaping the future of health professions education and empowering the next generation of veterinarians to make an impact."
Dr. Read's career highlights include leading OSU's curricular redesign since 2018. Previously, she was a founding faculty member at the University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, later becoming associate dean of academics. Earlier, she taught large animal surgery at the University of Guelph Ontario Veterinary College and practiced in Calgary at a surgical referral clinic specializing in international sport horses.
A 1998 graduate of the University of Saskatchewan Western College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Read is a diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons and author of the textbook "Veterinary Clinical Skills." Her AAVMC service includes past roles on task forces, editorial boards, and as founding co-chair of its Council for International Veterinary Medical Education.
Additionally, Dr. Read is a former president of the American Association of Equine Practitioners and a 2023 Distinguished Expert in the Academy of Veterinary Educators.
She succeeds Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe, who served 12 years as CEO, and Dr. Ted Mashima, who recently served as interim CEO.
“The AVMA congratulates Dr. Read on her appointment, and we are excited to work with her,” said AVMA President, Dr. Michael Q. Bailey. “The AAVMC and the AVMA have a shared commitment to the profession, and we are looking forward to continuing to work with AAVMC with Dr. Read at the helm.”
A version of this story appears in the January 2026 print issue of JAVMA