2021 Award Recipients

The 2020 Executive of the Year was presented to Richard Antweiler, Missouri VMA. Richard truly embodies those leadership qualities we all aspire to demonstrate especially when faced with unforeseen challenges vacant from any of our strategic plans; e.g. COVID-19. Regardless of the pandemic, this year’s executive increased membership, pivoted to a successful virtual conference and strengthened the organization’s financial position. These accomplishments, however, are not endemic to the last year.

Richard’s outstanding leadership traits are part of his fiber and have been visible from when he first began as the organization’s Executive Director more than 21 years ago. Under his tutelage, membership has increased by 25%. Student involvement has skyrocketed. The organization’s foundation has reached a $100,000 endowment goal. He’s been instrumental in advancing veterinary medicine among legislators, the pharmacy board, and agricultural organizations in his state. As noted by one of his board members, “He has grown a strong, vibrant, positive and industry-leading organization.”

Most notably his organization’s leaders described him as objective, professional, courteous, timely, thoughtful, and focused on the association’s present and future. His concern for the organization’s future is evident as he has prepared it for his upcoming retirement by training a protégé to assume the reins. “Always a man of humility and integrity and an unsung hero in this profession,” VMAE is pleased to loudly recognize Richard Antweiler as this year’s Veterinary Medical Association Executive of the Year. Congratulations Richard.