Jarrett retires, AABP seeks executive vice president

Rome, GA.—Dr. James Jarrett has announced his resignation as executive vice president of the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) after more than a decade.

Jarrett, 69, is retiring due to recurring health problems and his expressed desire to spend more time with family and friends.

While the longtime veterinarian was not available for comment, colleague and friend Dr. Rod Sydenham says it will be challenging for the association to fill Jarrett's shoes.

At presstime, AABP officials were considering a handful of candidates for the position and are expected to make a selection in the coming months. Responsibilities of the executive vice president include administering the 6,000-plus member organization.

"Dr. Jarrett put AABP at the forefront as a source of expertise in virtually all aspects of food producing animals," Sydenham says. "His No. 1 goal has been to do what's best for the profession, and the consumers and producers we serve."

Jarrett began working in veterinary medicine after receiving a DVM degree from the University of Georgia in 1960. Apart from a brief stint with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Jarrett spent the majority of his career working with dairy operations as a consultant and veterinarian before joining AABP as executive vice president in 1993.

AABP Administrative Assistant Lauren Blank says it's been a privilege to work alongside Jarrett.

"The qualities that stand out in my mind about Dr. Jarrett, and that I hope to model myself, are those that shine not on a podium but behind the scenes — his integrity and his thoughtfulness," she says.

Jarrett's considerate and supportive demeanor helped propel his legacy within the profession, co-workers and friends, Office Assistant Sandra Himes adds.

"Dr. Jarrett is a friend as well as a boss," she says. "He will certainly be missed."