NAVC names new board president

The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing veterinary professionals worldwide, announced Bob Lester, DVM as the new 2023-2024 board president. According to an organizational release,¹ Lester previously served 6 years on the board of directors for the NAVC. Lester began his term following his predecessor, Harold Davis, Jr., BA, RVT, VTS (Emergency Critical Care) (Anesthesia and Analgesia) at the NAVC’s annual business meeting held at the 2023 Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX) in Orlando, Florida.

“The success of VMX 2023 is just the start. The future of NAVC and our profession is bright. 2023 is going to be our best year ever,” Lester said during the NAVC Board of Directors transition ceremony at VMX 2023.¹

Lester is the co-founder and chief medical officer for WellHaven Pet Health, a family of companion animal general practices that believe in caring for the caregivers so that they can care for others. WellHaven Pet Hospitals are both newly built full-service American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) hospitals, acquired, and joint venture affiliate practices. Lester was on the founding leadership teams at Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine and Banfield Pet Hospitals. His early career was spent as a small-town mixed animal practice owner in Sweet Home, Oregon.

In addition to his new service on the NAVC board, Lester also currently serves on the boards of Pet Peace of Mind, the Veterinary Innovation Council, and the Lincoln Memorial University College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Board.

With Lester’s new appointment as president, the NAVC board members for 2023-2024 include:¹

• Bob Lester, DVM, President;
• Harold Davis, Jr., BA, RVT, VTS (Emergency and Critical Care), (Anesthesia and Analgesia), Immediate Past President
• Karen Kline, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology), President Elect
• Sally Haddock, DVM, Vice President
• Christine Navarre, DVM, MS, DACVIM (LAIM), Treasurer
• Crystal Chrisler
• Geraldine Diethelm, DVM, CVA
• Jason W. Johnson, DVM, MS, DACT
• Tammy Michau, DVM, MS, MspVM, DACVO
• Mark Russak, DVM, CVJ
• Jonathan R. Townsend, DVM, PhD

Reference

The NAVC welcomes Bob Lester, DVM, as 2023-2024 board president. News release. The North American Veterinary Community. January 30, 2023.