Officers and Committees 2009-2011

Elected at the VVMA Summer Meeting June 18-19, 2009

Officers:

 

Committees:

Standing Committees

1) Animal Welfare Committee
The Animal Welfare Committee acts as a liaison between the VVMA and other animal groups in Vermont. It addresses issues of Animal Welfare and has been involved with the review of animal legislation, Certification of Shelter Euthanasia Technicians and promotion of continuing education statewide for all animal caregivers.

Members:
Dr. Virginia Clarke  - chair
Dr. Ruth Blauwiekel

Dr. Janet Carini

Dr. Glen Cousineau

Dr. Allison Cornwall

Dr. Bob Johnson- Public Health Veterinarian
Dr. Tom Munschauer

Dr. Lisa Nelson
Dr. Sara White

Joanne Bourbeau- (HSUS Northeast Director)

Anne Ross

Recent Activity:
Vermont Animal Cruelty Task Force- promoting legislation for anti-cruelty and certification for Humane Officers.  Developed Best Practices for Shelters. 

2) Legislative Advisory Committee

The Legislative Advisory Committee advises the Executive Committee regarding legislative issues affecting veterinary medicine.  It serves as a liaison between the VVMA and government officials, and any counsel employed in lobbying efforts.  

Members:

Dr. Karen Bradley - co-chair

Dr. Kristin Haas - co-chair

3) Public Education and Awareness Committee
The Public Education and Awareness Committee links the veterinary community of Vermont and the VVMA to the public. Committee members educate the public through lectures, presentations, interviews and articles about animals (diseases, husbandry, preventative care, etc), veterinary medicine and bioterrorism. It also promotes and publicizes the various activities of Vermont veterinarians and the VVMA.   This Committee presently has no Chair. 

4) Small Animal Committee
The Small Animal Committee is responsible for arranging continuing education programs for veterinarians and programs for the public concerning companion animals.

Members:
Dr. Rick Baum - chair

5) Large Animal Committee
The Large Animal Committee is responsible for arranging continuing education programs for veterinarians and programs for the public concerning farm animals and horses.

Member:
Dr. Mary O'Donovan - chair

 

6) Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee’s general mission is to recruit and nominate the Vice-President and also to nominate the recipient of the Dave Walker Award.

Members:

Dr. Greg Dowd - Chair

Dr. Rick Baum - chair
Dr. Liz Alton

Dr. Ron Veenema

 

Special Committees

1) Budget Committee
The Budget Committee presents a budget proposal to the VVMA Executive Board prior to the end of each fiscal year as a guide to spending for the following fiscal year.

Members:
Dr. Ron Veenema (VVMA Treasurer) - chair
Dr. Paul Howard
Dr. Tom Munschauer

 

2)  One Health Initiative
The One Health Initiative focus is on the increasing importance of the interrelationships of human and veterinary medicine and ways to strengthen the communication between our specialties.

Members:

Dr. Millie Armstrong - chair

Dr. John Barlow

Dr. Ruth Blauwiekel

Dr. Michelle Ross

Dr. Julie Smith

3)  Recent Graduate

This new Ad Hoc Committee will attempt to encourage membership from recent veterinary school graduates and to recommend ways the VVMA can help meet their needs and interests.

Member:

Dr. Hailey Gentile - chair

4)  Web Site

This new Ad Hoc Committee will advise on updating the VVMA website.

Members:

Kathy Finnie - Chair

Dr. Bo Bergman

Dr. Andrea Gilbert

Dr. Kathy McNamara

Dr. Tammy McNamara

Dr. Julie Smith

 

AVMA Representatives

AVMA Delegate
Dr. Julie Moenter, Bristol
I act as a liaison between Vermont veterinarians and their national umbrella organization, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The AVMA encompasses all aspects of veterinary medicine from animal health care through public health and animal welfare. I serve on Reference Committee #2 (Public Matters). The committee receives reports from the Judicial Council, the Council on Public Relations, the Animal Welfare Committee and the Human-Animal Bond Committee. I also caucus with veterinarians in Executive District Region 1 made up of the New England states and New York State. I encourage all Vermont veterinarians to contact me or Dr. Bradley regarding any issues or concerns.

AVMA Alternate
Dr. Karen Bradley, Montpelier
I meet with the House of Delegates twice a year, once in informal session (no votes) in January or February and once in the summer at the Annual Convention. I hope to serve on Reference Committee # 5 (Legislative and Governmental Matters) this year to which the following report: The Committee on Environmental Issues, The Legislative Advisory Committee, The AVMA Political Action Committee, The Emergency Preparedness and Response Committee, The Aquaculture and Seafood Advisory Committee and The Airline Study Task Force. I also serve on the AVMA Region I caucus. I endeavor to represent the interests of the VVMA Membership to the AVMA and encourage VVMA members to contact me with their concerns.