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Leadership

Leadership

Our 2024-25 Board of Directors and Leaders

With a collective wealth of experience, compassion, and expertise, our Board of Directors is committed to upholding the highest standards of veterinary practice. Meet the passionate leaders guiding our organization towards a brighter future for veterinary medicine in Arizona.
Sandra Snyder

DVM

President

Tara-lyn Temple

DVM

Vice President

Lauren Thomas

DVM, cVMA

Secretary

Barbara Batke

DVM

Treasurer

Racheal McKinney

DVM

Immediate Past President

John Kashak

DVM

Rural District

Jennifer Redmon

DVM

Rural District

Adam Riley

DVM

Urban District

Lara Shreve

DVM, CVAP

Large Animal District

Lane Smith

DVM

Recent Graduate District

Emily Smith

DVM, MS, CVMA

Non-Traditional District

Rachel Venable

DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology)

Urban District

Kipp Wingo

DVM, DAVDC

Urban District

Melissa Patterson

DVM

AVMA Delegate

Kara Thomas

DVM, cVMA

AVMA Alternate Delegate

Susan Stevents

Esq.

Legislative Representative

Melissa Riensche

DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)

Advisory Council

Julie Funk

DVM, MS, PhD

Advisory Council

Carla Gartrell

DVM, JD, DACVIM (SAIM)

Advisory Council

Karter Neal

DVM

Advisory Council

Ryan Wolker

DVM, MVetSc, DACVS-LA

State Veterinarian

Mittie Williams

MEd

Executive Director

The AzVMA elects a delegate and an alternate delegate as its representatives to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The terms are for three years and the alternate delegate succeeds the delegate. Both representatives attend the AzVMA Board meetings to liaise between the two associations. 

AzVMA has a legislative representative that monitors legislation and helps lead association efforts to protect your veterinary license. We also have important contacts with the legislative branch of the AVMA to stay abreast of national issues.

Meet the Past Presidents of the AzVMA

We’re thankful to all of those who have volunteered time and resources to improve veterinary medicine and the lives of those touched by it.

2023-24
Racheal McKinney

2022-23
Kaylee Yoshimoto

2021-22
Kara Thomas

2020-21
Melissa Riensche

2019-20
Al E. Schleappe

2018-19
Melinda E. Patterson

2017-18
Michael D. Sorum

2016-17
Robin E. Paterson

2015-16
James M. Maciulla

2014-15
John H. Samuelson

2013-14
Richard A. Panzero

2012-13
Kenneth C. Skinner

2011-12
Karter B. Neal

2010-11
Daschelle D. Roice

2009-10
Michael J. Ames

2008-09
Brian A. Serbin

2007-08
Wayne R. Anderson

2006-07
Michael P. Lent

2005-06
William L. Joslin (deceased)

2004-05
Jerry L. Zitterkopf

2003-04
C. Jeffery Brown

2002-03
James F. McDonald

2001-02
Annette N. Bouwer

2000-01
Debra M. Nelson

1999
Jack E. Quick

1998
Stanley C. Howard

1997
Donald W. DeYoung

1996
Deane A. Novak

1995
Charles G. Toben

1994
Howard R. Moore

1993
Thomas C. Watson

1992
Robert B. Koch

1991
Joe O. Yearous

1990
Beverly J. Scott

1989
John W. Unis

1988
Dean A. Rice (deceased)

1987
Mark H. Trueblood (deceased)

1986
Irvin A. Ingram

1985
William C. Wafer

1984
Marianne E. Shirk

1983
D. Ed Monty

1982
Gerry E. Ault

1981
Donald J. Casey (deceased)

1980
Robert L. Hatch

1979
Phil A. Blair (deceased)

1978
Alan D. Eads

1977
Kenneth L. Jeffery (deceased)

1976
Charles A. Helwig

1975
Hal L. Jenkins

1974
Walter R. Gillespie (deceased)

1973
Samuel Hodesson (deceased)

1972
Guy C. Poppy (deceased)

1971
Don D. Sceli (deceased)

1970
Gwyn Chapin (deceased)

1969
Allen Schauffler (deceased)

1968
Willard J. Ambrose (deceased)