Each year VMAE recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of our members and the work they do on behalf of their associations during our Annual Summer Conference. Awards are presented for the following categories:
The 2026 awards will be presented at the VMAE Annual Awards Luncheon on July 10 during the AVMA Convention in Anaheim, CA.
2025 Executive of the Year
Cristina Keef
Portland VMA
The 2025 Executive of the Year was presented to Cristina Keef, Portland 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.
Cristina is a leader who brings heart, vision, and steady leadership to her work. For nearly two decades, she has quietly built stronger organizations, deeper community connections, and a more resilient future for the veterinary profession. Over her 19 years in the role, she has guided her association through remarkable growth. Membership has expanded from fewer than 300 veterinarians to nearly 700, while the annual budget has grown from approximately $70,000 to nearly $400,000. This progress reflects her ability to expand services, cultivate meaningful partnerships, and develop programming that consistently delivers value to members. Beyond the numbers, her impact is most evident in the member experience she has shaped. Under her leadership, the association now offers a wide range of programming, including a practice owner resource group, an engaged practice manager network, weekly academic-year events, student outreach, mentorship opportunities, and ongoing wellness initiatives. One standout example is a monthly wellness day that provides complimentary services such as acupuncture, massage, and reiki to support the wellbeing of veterinary professionals.
In 2024, she brought a long-standing vision to life with the launch of a new multi-track veterinary conference. The event attracted more than 300 attendees, received strong praise from members and sponsors alike, and generated meaningful revenue that is being reinvested directly into member services. She has also embedded equity, diversity, and inclusion into the fabric of the organization by leading board-level trainings, integrating EDI into continuing education, and establishing a dedicated board position focused on this work. Her leadership extends beyond her own organization. She has been an active contributor within VMAE for many years, serving on multiple committees, currently chairing the Power of 10 Advisory Group, and contributing in several roles on the VMAE Board of Directors. As one board member shared, she is a kind and tireless leader who quietly makes everything better for everyone around her. Congratulations Cristina!
2025 Distinguished Service
Tim Atkinson
New York State VMS
Tim Atkinson has been a dedicated and influential member of VMAE since joining the association in 2017 when he started his role with the New York VMS. His leadership journey reflects both commitment and consistency, beginning with his election to the Board of Directors in 2019 and continuing through a full cycle of officer roles. He served as Treasurer in 2020, President-Elect in 2021, President in 2022, and Past President in 2023, providing steady guidance during a period of meaningful growth and change for the organization. In addition to his board service, Tim has made lasting contributions through his committee and task force leadership. He chaired the Podcast Task Force and the Professional Development Committee, helping expand learning opportunities and engagement for members. He also served on the DEI Committee and chaired the Covid-19 Health Care Delivery Task Force, lending clarity and direction during an unprecedented and challenging time for the profession.
Tim brings curiosity, creativity, and a problem-solving mindset to everything he does. Outside of his professional work, his interests include photography, cycling, playing the harmonica, and breadmaking. He is also known for his strong interest in leveraging technology to make systems and processes work better, a perspective that has benefited both VMAE and the veterinary community.
The Distinguished Service Award recognizes Tim’s thoughtful leadership, sustained commitment, and the many ways he has helped strengthen VMAE and its mission.
Lisa Perius
Executive Director
Indiana VMA
2025 Best in Business – Under $750k Annual Budget
Indiana VMA
PWR UP Program
The Indiana Veterinary Medical Association (IVMA) identified an important gap in how wellness support was being delivered. While the association had already established a Member Assistance Program to support veterinarians, leaders recognized that stress, burnout, and personal challenges affect entire veterinary teams, not just doctors. In response, IVMA launched PWR UP in 2022, a comprehensive wellness support program designed to reach everyone working in a veterinary clinic, regardless of role or membership status.
PWR UP provides access to mental health counseling, financial and legal resources, and personal consultation services. The program is offered at a flat, clinic-level rate, making it both accessible and affordable for practice owners who want to support their teams in a meaningful way. To date, 44 clinics have enrolled, extending these resources to more than 685 veterinary professionals across the state. A defining element of the program is its focus on the future of the profession. Every veterinary student at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is automatically enrolled in PWR UP at no cost. By giving students early access to confidential support services, the program helps normalize help-seeking behavior and reinforces the importance of wellbeing at the very start of their careers.
By extending care beyond its membership and investing in long-term workforce sustainability, the IVMA has created a program that is delivering measurable benefits in both clinics and classrooms. The PWR UP initiative exemplifies innovation, inclusivity, and thoughtful use of resources, making it a standout recipient of the Best in Business Award.
Gigi Tsontos
Executive Director
Not One More Vet
2025 Best in Business – Over $750k Annual Budget
Not One More Vet
CLEAR Blueprint Program
Not One More Vet’s CLEAR Blueprint program is a structured, data-driven approach to improving wellbeing within veterinary practices. Launched in 2022, CLEAR Blueprint begins with anonymous team surveys that ensure every voice is heard and provide leadership with clear insight into areas of strength and strain within their workplace culture. From those findings, participating practices receive guided support, including structured recommendations, eLearning resources, and coaching designed to help teams make meaningful and sustainable changes. The program’s impact is measurable. After six months, participating teams demonstrated nearly a 10 percent improvement in their assessment scores, underscoring the effectiveness of the model.
Since its launch, CLEAR Blueprint has enrolled 133 veterinary teams across four countries and awarded certifications to 42 clinics that met established wellness benchmarks. Beyond internal improvements, the certification serves as a visible signal that a clinic values its people, helping participating practices stand out in a competitive labor market while reinforcing a culture of care and trust.