Sign In

VMAE Awards Program

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:

  • Executive of the Year
  • Best in Business
  • Distinguished Service

The 2024 awards were presented at the VMAE Annual Awards Luncheon on June 21 during the AVMA Convention in Austin, TX.

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.

Debra Hamelback
Kentucky VMA
Executive Director

2023 Best in Business – Under $750k Annual Budget
Kentucky VMA
Pet Oxygen Mask Program

When it comes to emergency situations, having a strong relationship between veterinarians and emergency personnel is key. The Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association (KVMA) established the Pet Oxygen Mask Kit program to aid in connecting veterinarians with first responders. By partnering with KVMA, members are now able to purchase pet oxygen kits and provide them to their local fire departments and first responders to help save pet lives in emergency situations.

KVMA is working with their members to ensure every county emergency vehicle is equipped with a pet oxygen kit. The program has garnered attention from local news outlets bringing positive attention to the KVMA and its’ members. Since the program’s inception in 2019, there have been 433 oxygen masks purchased and personally delivered to emergency providers by their members. In addition, the KVMA has been notified of 3 pets who were saved by the use of the pet oxygen mask provided through this program.

As they should be, the KVMA is proud of this very important project that helps our pets in emergency situations. The veterinary clinics are appreciative of having the opportunity to give back to their communities in this way. This partnership is helping save pet lives in Kentucky!

Dr. Ned Patterson
MVMA board member
Chair of the MVMA DEI Task Force

2023 Best in Business – Over $750k Annual Budget
Minnesota VMA
DEI Work Study Partnership

The MVMA fostered a partnership between our association, Mission Animal Hospital and Cristo Rey Jesuit High School- Twin Cities, to employ a team of four students through the Cristo Rey Corporate work study program in a veterinary hospital. These four students share a full 40-hour work week throughout the academic year.

The partnership came to be through a proposal from MVMA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Action Team. The MVMA is committed to increasing representation, support, retention, and accessibility in the veterinary profession to foster a sense of belonging within our communities. While looking for ways to inspire change the DEI Action Team decided one way to take action would be to grow relationships with youth in diverse communities.

The purpose of the partnership is to ensure the future of Veterinary Medicine in Minnesota is diverse and accessible to all. In addition, the MVMA wishes to be a pilot for similar corporate work study programs across the country.