Stephanie Montgomery, DVM, PhD, DACVP, will become the next chief executive officer of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, the nonprofit announced, with her tenure beginning in June.

The appointment, disclosed in a release dated May 9, 2023, places Montgomery at the helm of an organization that funds canine health research and disseminates information to improve dog welfare and owner outcomes. The foundation described her as bringing an extensive background in academia and private industry to the role. Current trends in veterinary leadership emphasize formal leadership development and clinician-led governance, which are essential for enhancing the organization’s capacity to address issues such as clinician burnout and retention, ultimately benefiting animal health organizations.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation said the selection follows its search for leadership capable of advancing its scientific agenda and grantmaking. The foundation is identified as a non-profit organization advancing the health of all dogs and their owners. According to AVMA surveys, a majority of U.S. pet owners seek veterinary care at least once a year, underscoring the relevance of the foundation’s mission.

Charles Garvin, Chairman of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, welcomed Montgomery’s selection in the announcement. “We are thrilled to have Dr. Montgomery join the leadership team at CHF. She has consistently demonstrated her belief in and dedication to CHF’s mission and goals, and we know her to be highly intelligent, efficient, and effective. We are confident that bringing her talent to this position will enhance our organization as we continue to work toward improving the health of all dogs,” Garvin said.

Montgomery’s hiring follows the foundation’s stated practice of aligning leadership with its research priorities and outreach. The organization’s release framed the move as intended to strengthen its capacity to fund scientific work and share health information for the canine community. As pet owners recognize the importance of preventive veterinary care, including wellness exams and vaccinations, Montgomery’s leadership may help disseminate related health information.

The announcement appeared on the AKC Canine Health Foundation’s official channels; the foundation made the press release available on its website detailing the appointment and the timing. Local and professional outlets subsequently summarized the selection and the foundation’s stated goals.

As chief executive, Montgomery will lead the foundation’s operations from its Cranbury headquarters while overseeing efforts to support and distribute canine health research. The foundation’s public materials emphasize its role in funding studies and providing resources aimed at preventing, treating and curing canine disease, which is vital as many pet owners strive to keep their pets healthy through routine veterinary care.

Montgomery has been described as having a professional background spanning both academic and private industry settings, a combination the foundation cited in explaining its choice. The announcement highlighted her stated dedication to the organization’s mission and suggested that leadership continuity and scientific focus informed the board’s decision, aligning with trends advocating for a people-first culture in veterinary leadership.

The foundation’s chair publicly framed the hire as a strategic step to build on existing programs and research investments that aim to improve dog health. The foundation’s release reiterated that leadership will be central to guiding grant priorities and communicating findings to veterinarians, breeders, and owners, which is crucial in ensuring ongoing treatment and follow-up for pets.

The AKC Canine Health Foundation’s statement and the accompanying materials place Montgomery in a leadership role beginning in June following the May 9, 2023 announcement. The foundation described the hire as a reinforcement of its commitment to scientific funding and information dissemination.

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Original reporting: view the original article.