Paws and profits: UT College of Veterinary Medicine dean elected AAM fellow, and other updates

A veterinary microbiologist and antimicrobial resistance researcher at the University of Tennessee has received a major scientific honor. Meanwhile, PetSmart Charities has added a private equity executive to its board, and a veteran insurance leader has taken the helm at one of North America's largest pet insurance organizations.

Paul Plummer, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), DESCHRM, dean, University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine

Earlier this year, Paul Plummer, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (LAIM), DESCHRM, dean of the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), was elected to the American Academy of Microbiology's (AAM) 2026 Class of Fellows. Plummer was among 63 scientists selected from 145 international nominations through a peer-review process that evaluates scientific achievement and original contributions to microbiology. The AAM serves as the honorific leadership group within the American Society for Microbiology, an organization of more than 38,000 scientists and health practitioners. Fellows represent 14 countries in the 2026 cohort.

In addition to leading UTCVM, Plummer chairs the Presidential Advisory Council on Combatting Antimicrobial Resistant Bacteria and serves as executive director of the National Institute of Antimicrobial Resistance Research and Education. "Advancing research in microbiology and antimicrobial resistance has been central to my career, and I look forward to working with colleagues to improve animal and public health through scientific discovery and collaboration," Plummer said in a university news release.¹

Salim Hirji, new board member, PetSmart Charities

Salim Hirji, a partner in private equity at Apollo, was appointed to the board of PetSmart Charities. Hirji brings prior board experience with PetSmart, The Michaels Companies, Yahoo!, and other organizations across consumer, retail, and business services sectors. He holds a BA in economics and political science from Columbia University and began his career in the Financial Institutions Group at Goldman Sachs, later being named to Forbes' "30 Under 30 — Finance" list in 2018.

In his new role, Hirji joined a board with members from corporate, financial, and animal welfare sectors to provide governance and strategic oversight for the nonprofit. PetSmart Charities, which has facilitated adoptions for more than 11 million pets since 1994 and has granted more than $600 million toward pet welfare efforts, focuses on connecting pets with homes, expanding access to affordable veterinary care, and supporting families during times of need. "In my experience, pets are family members. They love you unconditionally and are there for you on the best and worst of days," said Hirji in a news release.² "PetSmart Charities has helped millions of pets find homes and care as one of the largest animal-focused non-profit organizations. I'm honored to serve on a board doing such meaningful work to improve the lives of pets and their families."

Vandana Venkat, MS, president, Independence Pet Group

Last month, Independence Pet Holdings (IPH) named Vandana Venkat president of Independence Pet Group (IPG), one of North America's largest pet insurance and services organizations. Venkat brings more than 20 years of experience in insurance and financial services, having held senior leadership roles at Argo Group, Clearcover, and PURE Insurance, where her responsibilities spanned underwriting, operations strategy, and data and artificial intelligence innovation. Earlier in her career, she held product, pricing, and risk management positions at Progressive, Kemper, and Allianz/Fireman's Fund. She holds dual master's degrees in industrial engineering and operations research and applied mathematics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In her new role, Venkat will lead IPG's portfolio of brands, which includes AKC Pet Insurance, OnePack Plan by PetPartners, Figo, and ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, collectively covering more than 1 million pets across the US and Canada. IPH, established in 2021, manages a broad range of modern pet health brands offering insurance, pet education, lost pet recovery services, and related solutions. "Together, we will continue advancing innovative, accessible solutions in line with our mission of caring for pets and empowering pet parents," Venkat said in a company news release.3

References

1. UT College of Veterinary Medicine Dean Elected Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology. News release. University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine. February 19, 2026. Accessed March 23, 2026.
2. Salim Hirji Named New Board Member of PetSmart Charities. News release. PetSmart Charities. February 19, 2026. Accessed March 23, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/salim-hirji-named-new-board-member-of-petsmart-charities-302692064.html
3. Independence Pet Holdings Welcomes Vandana Venkat as New President of Independence Pet Group. News release. Independence Pet Holdings, Inc. February 24, 2026. Accessed March 23, 2026. https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/independence-pet-holdings-welcomes-vandana-venkat-as-new-president-of-independence-pet-group-876113444.html