Virginia VMA – February 20-22, 2025

Event

The Virginia VMA (VVMA) held its Virginia Veterinary Conference from February 20–22 in Roanoke.

Awards

Paul F. Landis Veterinarian of the Year

Dr. Steve Karras (Oregon State ’89), Roanoke. Dr. Karras has practiced at Cave Spring Veterinary Clinic since 1990. He is a past president of the VVMA and Roanoke Valley VMA and has served on the Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Karras is active with the Saint Francis Service Dog Foundation and Virginia Police Work Dog Association.

Mentor of the Year

Dr. Mary Thornton (Virginia-Maryland ’88), Lynchburg. Dr. Thornton co-owns Southern Hills Animal Hospital in Roanoke. She was honored for her dedication toward mentoring students at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.

Veterinary Service Award

Dr. Jeff Smith (Auburn ’94), Danville. Dr. Smith is medical director at Danville Family Vet. He has served on the board of directors of the Danville Area Humane Society. Dr. Smith was recognized for his excellent representation of the veterinary profession via community involvement and veterinary service.

Distinguished Virginia Veterinarian

Dr. Jay Margolis (Tennessee ’89), Chantilly. Dr. Margolis is the co-founder and managing partner of Veterinary Innovative Partners. A past president of the VVMA, he was honored for his standard of excellence and dedicated service to the veterinary profession.

Veterinary Team Member Award

Ashley Haney, Charlottesville. A licensed veterinary technician, Haney has worked at Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital for more than 18 years. She has served in several official capacities for the Virginia Association of Licensed Veterinary Technicians (VALVT).

Commercial Representative Award

Marsh Davis, Maidens. A licensed veterinary technician, Marsh served as senior territory manager for Dechra Veterinary Products for more than 37 years prior to retirement. She was honored for her service to veterinarians in the state and for promoting the veterinary profession through liaison positions with the association.

Friend of the VMA

Victoria Staples, Richmond. Staples is the associate director of the VVMA, West Virginia VMA, and VALVT. She was recognized for her contributions to the veterinary profession in Virginia.

Officials

Drs. Brian Neumann, Alexandria, president; Sherri Gard, Suffolk, president-elect; Bret VanLear, Weyers Cave, vice president; Courtney Conroy, Amissville, secretary-treasurer; and Nathaniel Burke, Luray, immediate past president

A version of this story appears in the August 2025 print issue of JAVMA