AVMA announces 2025-2026 president-elect

The American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) House of Delegates (HOD) announced that Jennifer K. Quammen, DVM, MPH, was victorious over Mary Ergen, DVM, to become the next president of the AVMA. The election was held during the AVMA Convention in Washington, DC, and she will officially take over during the 2026 AVMA Convention in Anaheim, California, in July 2026. Isaac Bott, DVM, the Society for Theriogenology delegate who nominated Quammen stated that she is a caring and has a compassionate nature as well as a header who embodies genuine leadership.¹

Standing with her sister Joanne, best friend Brittany, and partner Ryan Smith, Quammen addressed the delegates following the election, thanking the HOD for its vote and shared her “heartfelt appreciation” to Ergen, according to the AVMA.

Jennifer K. Quammen, DVM, MPH, surrounded by friends and family as she addresses the House of Delegates during the 2025 AVMA Convention (Image courtesy of R. Scott Nolen)

“My fellow candidate and a true partner in this journey,” Quammen stated during her speech.¹ “Mary, your leadership, clarity, and dedication to veterinary medicine have made this process stronger and more meaningful. Thank you for your grace and strength. I’m grateful for your friendship.”

RELATED: Check out Quammen’s recent episode of The Vet Blast Podcast presented by dvm360 here

Quammen graduated from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2011 and has taken on multiple roles through her career in veterinary medicine. Quammen started as a licensed veterinary technician, worked her way up to associate and relief veterinarian, and then became medical director of a multi-location private practice. Currently in her career, Quammen serves as the chief veterinary officer at Otto, a digital platform that helps veterinary clinics streamline communications with clients and is a member on the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners.

As for leadership in the industry, Quammen was elected as the 2022 AVMA vice president where she served the full 2-year term serving as the AVMA’s liaison for the Student AVMA and its chapters, plus veterinary college deans and faculty.¹ She also is an alumna of the AVMA Future Leaders Program and served as chair of the AVMA Council on Veterinary Service.

She also was the Kentucky VMA (KVMA) president from 2018-2019 as well as a co-facilitator of the of the KVMA’s Power of Ten leadership program. Quammen also worked with the Veterinary Leadership Experience and Veterinary Leadership Institute for 8 years beginning in 2011.

Known for being an advocate for wellbeing, Quammen cofounded Veterinarian Coaching in 2014 where she helped students, practices, and individual veterinarians on topics from stress management to career transition and even sleep hygiene.

“This moment is not about one person—it’s about all of us,” Quammen concluded.¹ “Whether you’re in academia, shelter work, large animal, solo practice, or industry—whether you’re a student, technician, associate, or practice owner—you matter. And I’m here to listen, to learn, and to lead with intention, humility, and heart. Let’s keep building a strong future together.”

Reference

Quammen wins vote for AVMA president-elect. News release. American Veterinary Medical Association. July 19, 2025. Accessed July 19, 2025. https://www.avma.org/events/avma-convention/convention-daily-news-2025/quammen-wins-vote-avma-president-elect