Paws and profits: Paws and profits: FelineVMA elects Lacie Lee, DVM, as president-elect, Parnell names VP of US pet care, and more updates

The Feline Veterinary Medical Association has a new president-elect, a referral center in Central Oregon has expanded its neurology team, and a veterinary pharmaceutical company has brought on a new vice president to lead its US pet care business. Read on for details about each individual.

Lacie Lee, DVM, president-elect, Feline Veterinary Medical Association

Lacie Lee, DVM, has been elected president-elect of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association (FelineVMA) for the 2026–2027 term. Lee is the owner and founder of Cat Care Center of Baton Rouge, a feline-only veterinary hospital offering advanced diagnostics, imaging, and radioactive iodine therapy. She is a graduate of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine with more than 23 years of private practice experience focused on feline medicine.

Lee has served on the FelineVMA Board of Directors and chairs the organization's Student Engagement Committee, with an additional appointment on the Guidelines Committee. She has completed extensive postgraduate training in feline medicine, serves as a clinical study investigator, and is currently pursuing her American Board of Veterinary Practitioners diplomate status in feline practice.

"I could not be more humbled and thrilled, filled with all (and more!) of my usual excitement, energy, and passion to represent the members of the Feline Veterinary Medical Association," Lee said in a social media post announcing her election.¹ "...I will do my very best to continue helping FelineVMA make a difference in the lives of cats globally through all of our amazing initiatives, while continuing to build on the incredible work that this association, its members, and its leadership have put into action from the very beginning."

Elizabeth Passmore, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon

The Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon (VRCCO) has welcomed Elizabeth Passmore, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology), to its medical team. Passmore earned her DVM from the University of California, Davis, in 2016, and completed a rotating internship at the University of Illinois, a specialty neurology internship in Arizona, and a three-year neurology and neurosurgery residency in New Mexico. She is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine in neurology.

Prior to joining VRCCO, Passmore founded the Neurology & Neurosurgery Service at Pet Specialists of Austin, where she served the Texas community for five years. She holds a BS in chemistry from Carnegie Mellon University.

"We are thrilled to welcome Dr Passmore to our growing team. Adding a second team-oriented and brilliant board-certified neurologist to our hospital increases our capacity to perform advanced neurosurgeries, provide rapid emergency consultations, and expand life-saving treatment options," said Mauricio Dujowich, DVM, DACVIM, CEO of VRCCO, in a company news release.²

Sharon Holt, vice president of US pet care, Parnell Technologies

Parnell Technologies has appointed Sharon Holt as vice president of US pet care. Holt has more than 20 years of experience in the animal health industry, having joined Merial in 2002 and continued through its acquisition by Boehringer Ingelheim in 2017, where she held leadership positions across sales, marketing, supply chain, commercial operations, and business development. Most recently at Boehringer Ingelheim, she received the OnePet Innovation Award and the Global Excellence Award in 2025, followed by the President's Club Award in 2026.

In her new role, Holt will lead Parnell's US pet care business, with a focus on commercial strategy, customer engagement, organizational development, and growth initiatives. Parnell is a veterinary pharmaceutical company that manufactures and markets products for companion and production animals across 10 countries.

"Sharon is a highly respected leader with a proven track record of delivering results, building high-performing teams and creating meaningful value for customers," Pablo Lamberto, DVM, US general manager at Parnell, said in a company announcement.³ "Her deep understanding of the companion animal market, combined with her passion for customer success and innovation, makes her an outstanding addition to the Parnell leadership team."

References

1. Lee L. [@drlacielee]. Instagram. September 27, 2026. Accessed September 28, 2026. https://www.instagram.com/p/Ddz5-1BGpu2/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&stkn=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
2. Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon Advances Neurosurgery Capabilities and Expands Specialty Team. News release. Veterinary Referral Center of Central Oregon. September 23, 2026. Accessed September 28, 2026. https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/veterinary-referral-center-of-central-oregon-advances-neurosurgery-ca-1225572
3. Parnell Appoints Sharon Holt as Vice President of U.S. Pet Care. News release. Parnell Technologies Pty LTD. September 22, 2026. Accessed September 28, 2026. https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260922680896/en/Parnell-Appoints-Sharon-Holt-as-Vice-President-of-U.S.-Pet-Care