AVMA LIFE Staff | AVMA LIFE

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Tracey Gray-Walker

Tracey Gray-Walker is the CEO of AVMA Trust. Her strategic objectives include unifying the strategic positioning of the Trust while enhancing member experience, improving productivity and efficiencies all while creating additional value for members.

Prior to joining the AVMA Trust in 2019, Tracey led AXA Association and Affinity business. During her tenure the business saw double digit growth for 2 consecutive years.

During Tracey’s career in Financial Services she received various awards and recognition, including but not limited to one of The Network Journal’s "Twenty-Five Influential Black Woman in Business," and she was featured in Profiles in Diversity Journal as one of its "Women Worth Watching". She was also included among Uptown Professional’s prestigious list of, "Top Executives in America", and a Women of Distinction by the Girl Scouts of Greater New York.

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Cynthia Smith

Cynthia Smith is the Member Experience Officer of AVMA Trust. She works with the CEO and other key team members to increase and enhance the member experience, member engagement, and the overall value of the offerings available to members.

Cynthia has more than 20 years of association experience with the American Medical Association Insurance Agency, Inc., where she focused on product development, product improvement, research, digital product strategy and overall product portfolio management.

Cynthia is a graduate of Fisk University, with a major in Business Management. She is also a licensed Illinois Life and Health Insurance Producer.

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Dr. Joshua E. Gehrke, DVM

As the Head of Veterinary Services for the AVMA Trust, Dr. Joshua E. Gehrke collaborates with the CEO, Lead Trust Veterinarian, and the Trust Team to support veterinary professionals. He holds a BS and DVM from Michigan State University, completed a small animal internship in Los Angeles, and a residency in Neurology & Neurosurgery at The Schwarzman Animal Medical Center of New York. Dr. Gehrke has experience with BluePearl, MedVet, and as an award-winning Assistant Professor and Neurology Service head at Michigan State University. As Chief Veterinary Officer for Veterinary United, he provided coaching, leadership, clinical practice, and medical mentorship to veterinary teams, elevating the care of medicine provided to the community. Passionate about impacting the profession, he continues to steward the veterinary community in his current role.

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Linda J. Ellis, DVM

Dr. Linda Ellis is the Director of Trust Veterinarians for the AVMA Trust, with 16 years of experience in veterinary professional liability and business risk management. Dr. Ellis is passionate about supporting and advocating for AVMA member veterinarians insured thru the PLIT and LIFE sponsored programs. She speaks regularly with veterinarians and practices regarding difficult situations or facing a malpractice claim or license complaint and reviews professional liability claims submitted through the PLIT program to advise the insurance carrier on veterinary care.

Another primary focus of Dr. Ellis’ role is education of AVMA members on the most common causes of claims and how to manage their risk. She makes visits to veterinary colleges to speak with students and attends and presents at veterinary conferences as part of an educational outreach to help veterinarians avoid malpractice and board complaints, as well as to discuss professional and business coverages that veterinarians need to protect themselves and their practice. Dr. Ellis also identifies claim trends and topics for PLIT newsletters to keep AVMA members informed.

Dr. Ellis graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1991 and practiced companion animal medicine and surgery for 14 years prior to joining the AVMA Trust. She is a member of the AVMA, AAHA, and Illinois State VMA.

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Rebecca Stinson, DVM

Dr. Rebecca Stinson graduated with a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Georgia in 2002. After graduation, Dr. Stinson fulfilled her childhood dream of working with horses as an equine veterinarian and later became a founding partner in Carolina Equine Hospital in the piedmont area of North Carolina. Throughout her career, Dr. Stinson has been passionate about helping students identify their own path in the veterinary field. This passion prompted a career shift in 2016 to focus more on education and working with students.

Dr. Stinson taught as adjunct faculty at Averett University and Berry College in Georgia as a Clinical Assistant Professor and College Veterinarian. Dr. Stinson then joined the Academic Affairs team at Virginia Maryland CVM as an Associate Director for Student Support. In 2019, Dr. Stinson was thrilled to join the AVMA Trust as Student Services Representative. In this role, Dr. Stinson coordinates the student outreach with the wonderful team of professionals at AVMA LIFE and AVMA PLIT to provide the best member value possible to SAVMA members.

Throughout her career, Dr. Stinson has been actively involved in organized veterinary medicine including serving as AVMA Vice President from 2014-2016, as well as serving on numerous task forces, committees and councils.

Dr. Stinson and her husband share their life with her horse, two cats and a dog on their farm in North Carolina. They are fortunate to have a wonderful son and daughter in law and three amazing grandchildren.

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Mary Buss, DVM, MBA

As the new Head of Strategic Relationships for AVMA Administrative Services, LLC (AVMA Trust), Dr. Buss brings over 30 years of experience in veterinary medicine, leadership, and strategic business development. She has a strong track record of building lasting partnerships, mentoring veterinary professionals, and aligning business initiatives with meaningful service to the veterinary profession.

In this role, Dr. Buss will partner with the Trust team to lead the management and engagement of our strategic relationships. She will also help communicate the value of our offerings, identify new opportunities, and advance our long-term strategic goals across the veterinary landscape.

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Nakia Burress

Nakia Burress joined AVMA Life in November 2020 as the Trust Program and Operations Manager. In 2024, Nakia was promoted to Director of Program Operations and Vendor Management. Working closely with our partners, Nakia leads operational activities to enhance quality assurance and process improvements to improve the member experience.

Nakia has over 14 years of experience in the insurance industry, with a background in operations, sales, and customer service support within Allstate, where she focused on creating efficiencies and processes that increased customer satisfaction.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Illinois at Chicago and earned her MBA and MSIS from Lewis University. She is also a licensed Property, Casualty, Life, and Health Producer in 50 states.

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Rebecca Isola-Waltos

As the Chief of Staff at AVMA Trust, Rebecca brings over a decade of experience in managing C-suite and internal operations. She oversees the efficient functioning of the Office of the CEO and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Since joining AVMA Trust in 2018, Rebecca has enhanced operational efficiency, governance, and process improvement.

Before AVMA Trust, Rebecca gained significant experience in the medical and financial services industries, developing skills in executive support, project management, and strategic planning.

An active member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Project Management Institute (PMI), Rebecca is dedicated to professional development and staying current with industry best practices.

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Anthony DeVito, JD

Anthony DeVito, JD., Head of Legal Services, brings an impressive background in representing clients across multiple industries, recently serving as a partner at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP. In this role, he managed complex litigation cases and provided strategic counsel on professional liability, licensing investigations, regulatory compliance, and insurance matters. His work as national coordinating counsel for a veterinary professional licensing defense program from 2016 to 2022 demonstrates his leadership and legal acumen.

Anthony’s career also includes significant regulatory experience, having served as a staff attorney at the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, where he prosecuted cases against professional license holders and worked on legislative initiatives. He used that experience to then work as a defense attorney for professionals, including veterinarians, who were facing Board complaints and malpractice claims.

Anthony earned his Juris Doctor degree, cum laude, from The John Marshall Law School and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drake University. His dedication to the law and his deep understanding of the veterinary professional and regulatory landscape will make him a great fit for the AVMA Trust as we continue to grow and support the members of the AVMA.

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Cathy Duarte

Cathy joined the Trust as Director of Marketing and Communications in February 2025. Cathy is a seasoned marketing leader with more than 15 years of association expertise spanning various facets of marketing and communications, including content creation, campaign management, digital marketing, and brand building. Most recently, she led the marketing strategy for several programs at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), driving impactful product launches and campaigns while achieving growth through digital and traditional marketing initiatives. Notably, she spearheaded the branding and go-to-market strategy for AAOS’s resident online learning platform, the first-ever defined curriculum for residents in any medical specialty. This groundbreaking program achieved remarkable adoption, with over 50% of U.S. residents utilizing it within the first year. Recognized for her strategic vision and ability to build strong stakeholder relationships, Cathy maintains high standards and delivers compelling messaging that resonates with target audiences, bolstering brand awareness and customer engagement.

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Belkys Llanes

Belkys Llanes joined AVMA LIFE in August 2017 as Member Advocate. In her role, Belkys is responsible for helping members navigate the health insurance system. This includes helping members choose the appropriate health coverage, resolve medical claims, understand complex bills, and coordinate with Medicare.

Prior to joining AVMA LIFE, Belkys worked for 14 years as a sales and agent support representative at HealthPlan Services, specifically for the AVMA LIFE account. Belkys graduated from the University of South Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems.

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Dr. Kristen Walker

Dr. Kristen Walker joined the AVMA Trust in January 2025 as a Student Services and University Relations representative.

Dr. Walker brings a diverse background to the role, with experience in veterinary diagnostics, pet insurance, and small animal practice. She began her career in commercial real estate lending, working primarily in Las Vegas for over a decade before pursuing veterinary medicine. Originally from Texas, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Finance from Texas A&M University and her DVM from Colorado State University in 2017. After graduation, Dr. Walker practiced small animal medicine in both private and corporate settings before transitioning to industry roles focused on veterinary partnerships, education, and marketing initiatives.

Dr. Walker lives in Fort Collins, Colorado, with her husband and their five dogs and three cats. They are dedicated to rescuing senior pets and often have an additional foster dog or two. She is passionate about senior and end-of-life care and continues to practice part-time with an in-home hospice and euthanasia company in Northern Colorado. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to warm beaches and relaxing with their furry family.

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Nina Mouledous, DVM

Dr. Nina Mouledous joined the AVMA Trust as a Trust Representative on June 23, 2008. Dr. Mouledous speaks to AVMA members insured through the PLIT and LIFE-sponsored programs, answering questions related to malpractice allegations and practice situations. She reviews professional liability claims, assists in the defense by identifying experts and appraisers, and advises the insurance broker and underwriters about new developments in veterinary medicine. Additionally, Dr. Mouledous visits several colleges of veterinary medicine in the United States, represents the PLIT and LIFE programs at various veterinary conventions and speaking engagements each year, and contributes to PLIT publications.

Before joining the AVMA Trust, Dr. Mouledous was the owner and sole practitioner for nineteen years of Equine Veterinary Services, Ltd, a mobile equine practice that specialized in Thoroughbred racehorses at Hawthorne Racecourse (Chicago, Illinois) and Arlington Park (Arlington Heights, Illinois). In addition to her practice, Dr. Mouledous developed a trap-neuter-release program at the racetracks to help control the feral cat population. She also mentored pre-veterinary students during the summer.

Dr. Mouledous is a 1985 graduate of Louisiana State University, School of Veterinary Medicine. Born and raised in New Orleans, Dr. Mouledous secured her first job as an associate veterinarian at a unique small animal, exotic, and equine practice in the French Quarter. Four years later, she relocated to Chicago and started her equine practice in 1989. During her career, Dr. Mouledous has served as a consulting veterinarian for the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation as well as a board member for the Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protection Association.

"I am very excited to begin my new career with the AVMA Trust," said Dr. Mouledous. "I am proud to help my fellow veterinarians protect their reputations and to enhance the image of the veterinary profession."

Dr. Mouledous and her family reside in Downers Grove, Illinois.

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Cynthia MacKenzie, DVM

Cynthia MacKenzie, DVM represents the AVMA Trust around the country, raising the awareness of the PLIT and LIFE insurance programs and risk management solutions to veterinarians and veterinary students.

Prior to joining the AVMA Trust, Dr. MacKenzie was an Equine Technical Services Veterinarian at Luitpold Animal Health, providing continuing education, technical literature and consultation to veterinarians and their clients. Previously, she was with Merck Animal Health as a Senior Equine Technical Services Veterinarian and an Associate Director of Learning and Development. Additionally, Dr. MacKenzie co-founded the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief campaign to provide vaccines to qualifying equine rescues. Dr. MacKenzie also worked in private practice in California and Kentucky.

She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University. Dr. MacKenzie holds active memberships with the American Veterinary Medical Association, and the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Indiana Veterinary Medical Association.

"Throughout my veterinary career, I have gained an appreciation and understanding of the tremendous value that the AVMA and PLIT provide," Dr. MacKenzie said. "Therefore, it is truly an honor to join the PLIT team and serve the veterinary profession in this role. I look forward to being an advocate for veterinarians and veterinary students."

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Jennifer Frey, DVM

The AVMA Trust was delighted to welcome Dr. Jennifer Frey to the Trust Veterinarian team in October 2019. In her role, Dr. Frey assists the Trust by delivering educational content, bolstering awareness of the Trust’s professional and personal insurance programs, and tailoring veterinary risk management solutions for AVMA members.

"I am excited to become a member of the AVMA Trust team", Dr. Frey said. "I have always been a proud supporter of the AVMA and look forward to serving AVMA members and the veterinary community through advocacy, support and education."

Prior to joining the AVMA Trust, Dr. Frey practiced companion animal medicine and surgery in the Chicagoland area. She received her DVM and BS from the University of Illinois. Dr. Frey currently lives in Oak Park, Illinois with her husband, two children, a rambunctious Shih Tzu mix named Lexie and a newly adopted kitten, Cosmo. In her free time, she enjoys attending her children’s sporting events, reading, and traveling anywhere there is sun and sand!

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Kara Escutia, DVM

Dr. Kara Escutia joined the AVMA Trust in January 2021. As a Trust Veterinarian she plays a key role in the activities of the Trust, including providing guidance to the brokers and carriers on veterinary topics and protocols, reviewing professional liability claims, providing support and advocacy to insured members, discussing potential or actual claims with members who call PLIT, and developing and presenting educational programs to veterinary students, veterinarians, and veterinary teams.

"I am very excited to join the AVMA Trust team and start my new career in the ever-changing world of veterinary risk management," said Dr. Escutia. "I have always been a proud member of the AVMA and feel privileged to support my colleagues in such an important role."

Dr. Escutia has spent most of her life in Illinois—growing up in Plainfield, then attending the University of Illinois for both her undergraduate degree and Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. Since graduation in 2011, she has worked in companion animal practice prior to joining the AVMA Trust team.

When Dr. Escutia is not working, she enjoys staying active outdoors and spending time with her husband David, and sons, Luka and Liam. She shares her home with a dog, Turtle, and one cat, Bagel. Dr. Escutia and her family reside in St. Charles, Illinois.

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Cassie Wagner, DVM

Dr. Cassie Wagner is originally from outside of Richmond, Virginia and has grown a career through a diverse background in human and animal medicine. She began her career as a registered nurse, then switched to veterinary medicine to pursue a future in veterinary public health. She graduated with her DVM and MPH from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (VMCVM) in 2013. For the following five years Dr. Wagner kept a “foot in both worlds,” volunteering at a local small animal clinic while working full-time as a nurse in the areas of quality and performance improvement, risk management, and case management. In 2018, she returned to her alma mater to work as Director of Alumni and Referring Practitioner Relations, leading the engagement efforts of the VMCVM.

In fall of 2022, she joined the AVMA Trust as a Student Services Representative, and finally moved “back home” with her husband, Matt, two daughters, June, and Wynn, and their “schnoxer” dog, Raffi. In her spare time, Dr. Wagner enjoys hiking, traveling, jigsaw puzzles, and sitting around a campfire with family and friends.

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Daniel Mazur, CPA, MBA

Dan Mazur is the Head of Finance & Accounting, working on all accounting and financial related activity at the Trust. In addition, he is a key liaison at the Trust, partnering with internal and external stakeholders to ensure the Trust is best positioned to serve its members of today and tomorrow.

Dan joined the AVMA Trust in 2023, with over 15 years of financial expertise. He has led several finance departments in his career and brings over a decade of experience within the insurance vertical, from brokerage and administration to carrier and reinsurance. Dan is a graduate of University of Illinois at Chicago, is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), has his Master of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University, and is a past board member of an Insurance Managers organization.

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Carla Gerald

Carla Gerald joined the AVMA Trust as Senior Accountant in September of 2023. Carla has over 35 years of experience in accounting and consulting for both public and private companies. Specializing mainly in service industries, Carla has held managerial and controllership positions in healthcare, educational publishing, and several software start-up companies.

Carla is excited to bring her knowledge of software systems and month-end close practices to the Trust, to facilitate the timely, accurate reporting of financial activities to management.

Carla currently resides in Illinois with her husband but lived in Southern California for 11 years, where her two children were born. When she’s not working, Carla enjoys camping, reading, visiting family and friends, all the while patiently waiting for grandchildren.

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Victoria Wagner

Victoria Wagner, Office Administrator in Schaumburg, brings a wealth of administrative experience, having supported both executives and teams in the public and private sectors. With a background in psychology, she began her career as a behavioral health counselor before moving into administrative roles.

Outside of work, Victoria enjoys spending time with her pets, gardening, listening to true crime podcasts, and reading horror novels.

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Beth Fischer

Beth Fischer joined AVMA Trust in October 2022 as the Office Administrator in the Chicago office. Beth works with the Trust Veterinarians, Student Services Veterinarians, and the Marketing teams to support and organize daily operations and procedures.

Beth has over 25 years of business experience in the areas of advertising (Quaker Oats), entrepreneurship (started a communications company with her husband), and non-profits (Glen Oaks Therapeutic Day School).

Beth received her Bachelor of Science in Business from Marquette University and is a loyal Golden Eagle basketball fan.

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Patrick Douglas, CVT

Patrick Douglas is the Trust Veterinary Technician for the AVMA Trust. He works with the Trust Veterinarians to assist members with their professional liability, malpractice, and license defense claims. With over a decade of experience as a veterinary technician, he specializes in veterinary hospital management in private practice, national practice, and AZA accredited zoos. Patrick has spent time abroad in Africa working with wild penguins as well documenting the experience on an AVMA podcast.

Patrick graduated from Parkland college with an AAS in Veterinary Technology in 2014 and a BS from Penn Foster in 2023. Beyond professional achievements, he is a proud parent of three boys, finding joy in family adventures like camping and fishing. He also enjoys unwinding with disc golf and video games.

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Holly Monahan

Holly Monahan joined the AVMA Trust in March of 2024 as a Marketing and Communications Associate working on Trust publications, social media and serving as a member of the branding team. Before joining AVMA Trust, Holly spent two decades in marketing and communications in various industries including educational publishing, professional services firms, and non-profit associations. She specializes in content development and multichannel campaigns including digital, print, social media, corporate presentations, advertising, and video. Holly earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from John Carroll University and a Master of Education from DePaul University.

When she’s not working, you can find Holly spending time with her family, laughing with friends, watching PBS Mystery, meditating, perfecting her shot at the archery range or traveling the world.

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Britto Thomas

Britto Thomas joined AVMA Trust as Project Manager in March 2024. With over 15 years of experience working with top-tier firms like McKinsey & Company and Uber, Britto’s capabilities include team leadership, project management, people development, effective communication, and expertise in data analytics. He holds an MBA in International Business and certifications in SAFe^® Agile, CSM^®, Lean Six Sigma, and AI Product Management.

As the Project Manager for AVMA Trust, Britto is committed to leveraging his skills and experience to drive growth and development for the organization and its members.

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Adrienne Charles

Adrienne brings over 15 years of experience in the retirement industry as ERISA Plan Consultant to AVMA Trust. She started as a Trust Accountant with a Houston-based TPA firm in 2007 and has since become an accomplished Retirement Plan Consultant working for nationally and globally known firms. In 2011, she earned the Accredited Pension Administrator (APA) designation, which allows her to administer and consult on various plan types, including Qualified and Nonqualified Plans, Multiple Employer and Multi-Employer Plans as well as Pensions.

Her expertise includes proficiency in plan design, ERISA compliance, and non-discrimination testing while quarterbacking administration for small to mid-market plans as well as large strategic markets for churches, hospitals, universities, etc. She is known for her ability to manage relationships by building trust and rapport. The skill to anticipate client needs comes from a progressive career operating as the TPA, Recordkeeper (bundled and unbundled), and the Plan Sponsor. She has successfully handled the toughest of clients and complex plans, providing outstanding client experiences whether the AUM is 50,000 or $500 million+.

Outside of work, Adrienne is the mother of an awesome daughter, Alayna. She adores her 2 miniature schnauzers, Rocky and Twix. Her favorite pastimes include cooking, traveling, and cheering for local sports teams: UH Cougars, Houston Texans, and Houston Astros.

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Stuart Brown, II, DVM (Board Chair)

Dr. Brown received his DVM from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine and has previously been honored with the 2014 Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association Veterinarian of the Year award; the 2017 AAEP President’s Award; the 2019 Terry Mobley Philanthropy Award from the University of Kentucky; and the 2021 AVMA Meritorious Service Award. Dr. Brown practiced for nearly 30 years at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, with a primary focus on thoroughbreds and areas of concentration in equine reproduction, foal evaluations, private/public purchase evaluations, herd health and preventative medicine, federally required import/export protocols, and issues affecting the welfare and safety of equine racing athletes. Today, Dr. Brown serves as Vice-President of Equine Safety at Keeneland Association in Lexington, Kentucky. He is chairman of the Gluck Equine Research Foundation and a member of The Jockey Club. He serves as the AAEP delegate to the AVMA House of Delegates and is a member of the House Advisory Committee.

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Pamelar Hale, DVM, MS, MBA, MJ (Secretary-Treasurer)

Dr. Hale received her DVM from Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and Georgia VMA. She serves on the Dean’s Counsel for Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hale has held numerous high-level leadership roles within veterinary medicine, from chief of staff to chief medical officer. She is a highly engaged veterinary industry consultant as an operation, start-up, and firm-building subject matter expert. She served on the inaugural Wedgewood Pharmacy Advisory Board from 2022-2023 and recently joined the board of the Society of Veterinary Medical Ethics (SVME). In addition, she is a member of the CHIEF organization for women executives. Dr. Hale earned a Master of Business Administration from St. George’s University and a Juris Master’s Degree from Florida State University in 2023. She shares her home in Atlanta, Georgia, with five pups and husband, Chuck (USAF veteran retired).

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George Robinson, DVM, MSPH

Dr. Robinson received his DVM from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and holds a Master of Science in Public Health from the Howard University School of Medicine. He is the founder and former CEO of Heartland Veterinary Partners (HVP), a Chicago-based veterinary support organization, and he currently serves as Vice Chairman of the HVP board and as a Special Advisor. Before joining HVP, Dr. Robinson was a leader with National Veterinary Associates and Banfield Pet Hospital, and prior to his work there, he owned and operated successful veterinary hospitals in Louisiana. Dr. Robinson previously served as vice president of the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine and is an active alum for the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. He chaired the Practice Advisory Panel of the AVMA, which notably wrote the AVMA Report on Telemedicine. He is a member of the board of directors of the LSU System Foundation and was named the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Distinguished Alumnus for 2018. “Dr. George,” as he likes to be called, is considered a thought leader in the veterinary space, and maintains his license to practice veterinary medicine. He enjoys philanthropy, mentorship, teaching, lecturing, knowledge sharing, and contributing to the broader profession.

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Robert H. Knapp, MS, DVM

Dr. Knapp received a Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (Animal Science) from The Ohio State University, a Master of Science in Animal Science from Texas A&M University, and his DVM from The Ohio State University. In 2007, he became the owner of Knapp Veterinary Hospital, which was founded by his grandfather in 1945. He remains an active Ohio State alumnus, currently serving as treasurer of the Veterinary Medicine Alumni Society, and formerly serving in the position of president in 2008. Dr. Knapp has also been active in the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA), serving in various capacities during his 32-year membership, including president in 2007 and as the Ohio Delegate to the AVMA. Dr. Knapp serves on the AVMA Board of Directors representing District V and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Board. He was honored with the OVMA’s Meritorious Service Award in 1999; the Ohio Veterinarian of the Year Award in 2014; and The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Distinguished Alumni in 2015.

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Kent McClure, DVM, JD

Dr. McClure received his DVM from Texas A&M and his JD from the University of Texas. Currently, Dr. McClure is an Associate Executive Vice President at the American Veterinary Medical Association and leads the AVMA’s advocacy programs, both in Washington, D.C. and at the state level. He has 25 years of experience advocating on policy issues important to veterinary medicine and veterinary practice, working as both an attorney and a veterinarian. Dr. McClure previously served as General Counsel for the Animal Health Institute, where he worked on the development of policies that affect the veterinary profession and the development of animal health products.

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Jose Arce, DVM

Dr. José V. Arce received his DVM from the Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and served as AVMA President for the 2021-2022 association year. Prior to this, he represented District IV on the AVMA Board of Directors, which includes AVMA members living in Florida, Georgia, and Puerto Rico. Preceding his work with AVMA and the AVMA Trust, Dr. Arce founded Miramar Animal Hospital, of which he remains president and co-owner. Dr. Arce was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. While living in Puerto Rico, Dr. Arce became active in the Colegio de Medicos Veterinarios de Puerto Rico (CMVPR) and was named to the Ethics and Grievances Committee. He has remained an active member of the PRVMA Board of Directors since 2000.

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M. Michael Zuckerman, J.D., M.B.A., A.C.I. –E.V.P.

M. Michael Zuckerman, J.D., M.B.A., A.C.I. –E.V.P., joined the AVMA Trust Board of Trustees in November 2024. He is an Associate Professor in Risk and Insurance Management at Temple University’s Fox School of Business. Professor Zuckerman’s three decades of industry experience include executive positions at Aon, serving as Managing Director and Alternative Risk Financing Practice Leader for the Health Care Industry Group, Thomas Jefferson University, Willis, Marsh, and Temple University Health System. He consults on Risk Management and Insurance issues and is a frequent speaker and writer on Alternative Risk Financing and general Risk Management subject matter.