AVMA hires communications director

SCHAUMBURG, ILL.-In an effort to streamline its media and public relations output, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) hired a new communications director.

J.B. Hancock joined the staff of the AVMA last month with a goal to give the association a consistent image that more widely perceived as the voice and expertise of veterinary medicine.

Hancock is formerly of Washington, D.C. where she served as director of communications with Alcalde and Fay, a lobbying firm that specializes in 14 areas of practice best known for its environmental work and educational entities representing municipalities.

"We are thrilled that J.B. has joined the AVMA family," says Dr. Bruce Little, AVMA executive vice president. "Her sharp, dynamic communication style and her understanding of the complex issues faced by associations are exactly what the AVMA needs to meet future challenges."

The transition at the AVMA brings Hancock closer to her family and to what she describes as an energetic position.

"First and foremost this is a job for which I could have real passion," Hancock says. "It's hard to get passionate about getting someone water rights."

Hancock suggests there's opportunity for AVMA to grow within the terms of broadening audiences. Starting a legislative office as an outreach to state associations seeking support is one example.

"The states are really looking forward to having someone working with them," Hancock says.

The office is looking to hire two new people and is slated for expansion in the near future.

Hancock has a corporate and association background. She has a master's degree in special education and served on the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC). While with the council, she worked on a law in its governmental affairs department to integrate handicap children into regular classrooms.

Hancock also worked with JBH production for 26 years on counterterrorism for the state department and conducted scientific work for the Office of Naval Research.

She owned and operated a communications firm prior to becoming broadcasting director for the American Association for Retired Persons.

At the AVMA, Hancock plans to conduct a lot of work through the group's Web site, including outreach to the media. She also seeks to become more proactive about getting out the organization's public messages in order to make AVMA the go-to source for information on topics that concern veterinary medicine.

"I'd really like us to be on the mind of everyone who is involved in animal-related issues," she says.