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2024 Award Recipients

2024 Executive of the Year
Randy Wheeler
Iowa VMA

The 2024 Executive of the Year was presented to Dr. Randy Wheeler, Iowa VMA. The Executive of the Year award, established in 1991, stands as a testament to the remarkable achievements of VMAE members in the field of association executive leadership. Reserved for CEOs or staff executives of state or allied associations, this prestigious accolade acknowledges individuals whose dedication and accomplishments have significantly elevated the profession. Recipients of this honor embody the pinnacle of association management, demonstrating exceptional leadership within their own organizations while actively contributing to the broader voluntary membership landscape.

Dr. Randy Wheeler’s remarkable journey from his family’s Century farm to his esteemed position in the veterinary profession serves as an inspiring narrative of dedication and service. Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Wheeler’s unwavering commitment to veterinary medicine and community welfare has remained steadfast.

Transitioning from a successful mixed animal practitioner to pivotal roles such as Assistant State Veterinarian and later as the Executive Director of the IVMA underscores Dr. Wheeler’s versatility and unwavering dedication to advancing the field of veterinary medicine. His wealth of experience, coupled with accolades such as being named IVMA Veterinarian of the Year in 2010, attests to his expertise and profound impact on the profession.
Dr. Wheeler’s leadership is characterized by integrity, respect, and a genuine concern for all stakeholders. His adept navigation of challenging circumstances and cultivation of robust relationships within the IVMA and the broader veterinary community reflect his commitment to excellence in association management.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Dr. Wheeler’s active engagement in civic activities underscores his commitment to effecting positive change within his community. His multifaceted contributions exemplify the spirit of service and leadership that defines the Executive of the Year award. Congratulations Dr. Wheeler!

2024 Distinguished Service
Rob Hilsenroth, DVM
American Association of Zoo Veterinarians

Dr. Rob Hilsenroth, American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, has been a VMAE member since joining the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians in 2007. His career has been long and distinguished, fitting with the award. Dr. Hilsenroth earned DVM from the University of Georgia. After running a successful small animal practice in Denver for 19 years, he became a media advocate for veterinary issues. He later joined the Morris Animal Foundation as the Staff Veterinarian Spokesperson and served as Executive Director, significantly expanding their Zoo and Wildlife Division. After a failed attempt to retire in 2004, his passion and dedication to animal health and conservation led him to take on the Executive Director role at the American Association of Zoo Veterinarians, where he has served for the past 19 years. Dr. Hilsenroth has been a dedicated member of VMAE, regularly attending meetings and supporting his colleagues. He always is a friendly face at VMAE meetings and has wonderfully crazy stories to share. He is attempting to retire one more time – 20 years after his first attempt and we wish him a successful launch, but we will miss him.

2020 Best in Business
El Pawso Proud
El Paso VMA

The El Paso VMA was presented the 2020 Best in Business Award for their El Pawso Proud program which reflects originality in content, creativity, and usefulness. The El Paso VMA developed a public outreach initiative to give veterinarians a platform in which to promote animal wellness & vaccination, support the county’s “no-Kill” goal, and provide education on animal organizations in the region. The Association partnered with the local news to produce weekly 1-minute video segments called “El Pawso Proud”. The “El Pawso Proud” segments were delivered by members and covered a wide range of topics such as taking your pet to the vet, registering your pet, to  backyard chickens and donkeys. The segments were done in both English and Spanish and shown on the news, websites, and social media channels.

The Association achieved its goal, with statistics showing that the project has increased their reach into the community by 2 to 3-fold. As the project continues, they look forward to connecting with more people in their community.