AVMA announces its first-ever chief DEI officer

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced Latonia Craig, EdD, as its first chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer. According to an organizational release, Craig will help the AVMA advance its efforts to create diverse, equitable, and inclusive clinics and veterinary schools beginning September 2022.¹

"The AVMA has a unique opportunity to increase DEI across our profession, and that is a role and responsibility that our organization has embraced," Jose Arce, DVM, president of the AVMA, announced at her appointment.

"We need a chief DEI officer who can lead, inspire, and work collaboratively with key stakeholders, and Craig's breadth of experience and extensive work with veterinary medical education make her the perfect choice."

According to the release, as the chief DEI officer, Craig will be responsible for leading the ongoing implantation and promotion of DEI-related initiatives, programs, training, and strategies, support efforts to develop, attract, and retain diverse professionals.¹ She will also serve as the staff liaison for the Commission for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Veterinary Profession, enhance understanding and appreciation of DEI and cultural awareness, and lead collaboration with AVMA members, allied and state organizations, affinity groups, and more.

“Engagement and support will be essential for this work to be fully transformative, effective, and meaningful. I look forward to working with organizational members and incorporating their feedback into developing sustainable, long-term DEI initiatives reflective of the organization's needs and the members it serves,” said Craig in the release.

Prior to accepting this role, Craig has been the dean at the Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine (Purdue CVM) since 2019. During her time as assistant dean, Purdue CVM became the first veterinary college to be named a Diversity Champion by INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

Reference

Dr. Latonia Craig named Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the American Veterinary Medical Association. News release. American Veterinary Medical Assocation. May 31, 2022. Accessed June 3, 2022.