The Washington State Veterinary Medical Association (WSVMA) announces that Dr. Melanie Bowden and Dr. Irene Yen were both elected to serve three-year terms on the WSVMA Board of Directors. Dr. Bowden is the Medical Director for Veterinary Emergency Group in Redmond. Dr. Yen is a relief veterinarian serving western Washington. It’s the first term for both and their terms will run from 2023 through 2026.
At the Sept. 23 meeting of the new Board, Dr. Eddie Haigh, co-owner of Haigh Veterinary Hospital in Shelton, was elected to serve a one-year term as President for the 2023-24 fiscal year. Dr. Robert Mealey, Chair of Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, was elected to serve as Vice President, and Dr. Brian Joseph was elected Secretary. Dr. Joseph is the former WA State Veterinarian who was appointed to the Board in August to fill the vacancy left by Dr. Jennifer Bennett. The officers are joined by Drs. Melanie Bowden, Gary Marshall, and Irene Yen who will serve as Directors.
The 2023 – 24 WSVMA Board of Directors’ officers and directors are:
President – Dr. Eddie Haigh (Shelton), 2021-24
Vice President – Dr. Robert Mealey (Pullman), 2022-25
Secretary – Dr. Brian Joseph (Gig Harbor), 2023-25
Director – Dr. Melanie Bowden, (Redmond), 2023-26
Director – Dr. Gary Marshall (Mercer Island), 2021-24
Director – Dr. Irene Yen (Renton), 2023-26
Treasurer – Dr. Sally Thompson-Iritani, (Seattle), non-voting member
Chief Executive Officer – Candace Joy (Redmond), non-voting member
The WSVMA wishes to thank Dr. Karl Salzsieder for being willing to run for the Board. We look forward to his continued involvement in the profession.
Incoming CEO
The Board of Directors has hired Mr. Ken Gordon, outgoing executive director for the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research, to replace Candace Joy as WSVMA’s CEO, who’s retiring at the end of the year. Mr. Gordon has extensive non-profit management experience as well as knowledge of and relationships with the veterinary research community. The membership will be formally introduced to Mr. Gordon in the coming weeks.
2023-24 Strategic Plan
The Board updated the strategic plan at their recent meeting. Goal one is to focus on membership to maximize our impact. Objectives include growing membership, seeking information on member needs, developing closer contact with students, and continuing work on DEI initiatives. Goal two is to undertake action to protect and benefit the profession through legislative and regulatory advocacy. We’re currently considering new legislation to address the workforce shortage. And in addition, we’re advocating with the Veterinary Board of Governors in several rulemaking activities, and working to prevent encroachment by non-veterinarians on the practice of veterinary medicine.
If you have questions or comments on the Strategic Plan or any other aspect of the WSVMA, please contact Dr. Eddie Haigh, Ken Gordon or Candace Joy, (800) 399-7862, with your feedback.