Washington State VMA – September 26-28, 2025
Event
The Washington State VMA (WSVMA) held its Pacific Northwest Veterinary Conference September 26-28 in Tacoma.
Awards
Veterinarian of the Year
Dr. John Harris (Washington State '93), Deer Park. Dr. Harris owns Deer Park Veterinary Clinic. He also raises, trains, and shows reining horses. Dr. Harris volunteers his services at fairs and at rodeos in the region, including at Colville and Cusik, Washington, and Clayton, Idaho.
Outstanding Veterinary Service
Dr. Jenn Bennett (Wisconsin '08), Davis, California. Dr. Bennett is director of shelter medicine access to care at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine's Koret Shelter Medicine Program. She previously served as chief veterinary officer for The Humane Society of Tacoma and Pierce County in Tacoma, Washington. Earlier in her career, Dr. Bennet worked in northern California as medical director and then chief veterinary officer for the Lake County Animal Care and Control, followed by leading the veterinary services team as medical director for the city of Seattle.
Washington State University Faculty Member of the Year
Dr. Jessica Bunch (Washington State '02), Pullman. Dr. Bunch is an associate professor of integrative veterinary medicine at Washington State University (WSU) College of Veterinary Medicine, where she also developed and now leads the Veterinary Teaching Hospital's Integrative Medicine and Rehabilitation Service. Trained in canine rehabilitation, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal therapies, she is president of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians.
Distinguished Veterinary Staff
Thea Leigh Lara, Pullman. Lara is a certified pharmacy technician at WSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She is known for her knowledge, reliability, and enthusiasm, and her outstanding service to clients, pharmacists, and veterinary and pharmaceutical students.
Allied Industry Partner
Dawn Ipsen, Snohomish. Ipsen owns and serves as pharmacist at Clark's Compounding Pharmacy in Bellevue and Kusler's Compounding Pharmacy in Snohomish. She also serves as a clinical instructor at the University of Washington School of Pharmacy and as an affiliate faculty member at Bastyr University in Kenmore. Ipsen was honored for her long-standing presence at the conference, her relationships with veterinary clinics in the region, and her advocacy for federal prescribing guidelines.
Distinguished Achievement Award
Dr. Jennifer Iwamoto (Washington State '09), Seattle, and the University of Washington (UW) Office of Animal Welfare's outreach team. Dr. Iwamoto serves as director of internal and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee operations at the UW Office of Animal Welfare. She and the team have helped foster understanding, transparency, and compassion with regard to animal research. The office's outreach programs include interactive campus booths and educational sessions. Dr. Iwamoto is known for her technical expertise, mentorship, and commitment to inclusion and ethical responsibility.
Legislator of the Year
Dr. Lisa Parshley (Colorado State '03), Olympia. Dr. Parshley is a member of the Washington State House of Representatives, representing the state's 22nd district. In her role, she serves as an advocate for animals, including the prevention of cruelty, for public health, and for the integrity of veterinary medicine. Dr. Parshley also serves as a veterinary oncologist at Olympia Veterinary Specialists, a practice she previously co-owned for several years. She is a past member of the Olympia City Council and has strived to promote safety, affordability, and health of the environment through involvement with committees and other entities active in those efforts.
President's Award
Dr. Amber Itle (Pennsylvania '03), Sumas, of the Washington state veterinarian's office, and Dr. Kevin Snekvik (Washington State '94), Pullman, of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory. Washington state veterinarian, Dr. Itle, and executive director of the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Dr. Snekvik, and their offices were honored for their efforts in working together to protect the state—including birds, mammals, and humans—from highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Business
For the fiscal year 2025-26, the association's strategic goals will center on increasing membership and protecting the veterinary profession through legislation and regulatory advocacy. The WSVMA will focus on assisting members on issues created by the workforce crisis and on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Officials
Dr. Sally Thompson-Iritani, Seattle, president; Dr. Katie Kuehl, Seattle, vice president; Dr. Haena Lee, Federal Way, secretary; Dr. Stacy Choczynski, Olympia, treasurer; Dr. Eddie Haigh, Shelton, immediate past president; Ken Gordon, Seattle, chief executive officer; and directors—Drs. Radha Ganesan, Seattle; Victoria McLean, Renton; Kristi Wubben, Vancouver; Irene Yen, Renton; and Craig McConnel, Pullman