President’s Letter | Q1 2026
Dear AAIV Members,
As we begin a new year, I am honored to serve as President of the American Association of Industry Veterinarians. January is a natural time for reflection and renewal, and an opportunity to look ahead with intention—both as individuals and as an organization.
Our focus for the year ahead is clear: growing our membership and meeting the evolving needs of our members through meaningful education and effective advocacy. Industry veterinarians play a vital and increasingly visible role across animal health, research, regulatory affairs, and innovation. Ensuring that AAIV remains a professional home for this diverse and expanding community is one of our highest priorities.
Growing our membership is not simply about numbers. It is about strengthening our collective voice, expanding our professional network, and ensuring that veterinarians working in industry—at every career stage—see AAIV as relevant, welcoming, and indispensable.
Education remains central to that commitment. AAIV will continue to focus on high-quality educational offerings that are practical, forward-thinking, and responsive to the real-world challenges our members face with professional development, leadership, and interdisciplinary perspectives that support success in industry careers.
Equally important is advocacy. AAIV exists to represent and advance the interests of industry veterinarians, and we take that responsibility seriously. Through our seat in the House of Delegates of AVMA, AAIV is the voice of industry veterinarians within the AVMA, we will continue to advocate for policies and practices that support our members and the important work they do.
I would like to personally invite you to join us at the AAIV Networking Meeting during the VMX Conference. This gathering is an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues across industry sectors, welcome new members, strengthen the professional relationships that make our association thrive, and share your feedback about what you want from the AAIV. Whether you are attending VMX for the first time or are a long-time participant, we encourage you to stop by, reconnect, and bring a colleague who may be interested in learning more about AAIV.
None of this work happens without the dedication of our board, officers, and volunteers who contribute their time, ideas, and expertise. I am deeply grateful for their commitment and inspired by the energy and vision they bring to our association.
As we move into the year ahead, I invite you to stay engaged, share your perspectives, and help shape the future of AAIV. Together, we will continue to build a strong, connected, and forward-looking community for industry veterinarians.
I look forward to seeing many of you at our VMX networking event and/or connecting with you in the year ahead.
Respectfully,
Carolyn Luther, DVM
President, American Association of Industry Veterinarians (AAIV)