Transforming the Veterinary Profession Through Volunteer Service

Why AVMA Volunteer Service Matters

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is inviting members to step into leadership roles—officers, Board of Directors, councils, and committees—where policies are shaped, standards are set, and the future of veterinary medicine is defined.

“Volunteering with the AVMA has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding decisions in my career. It has allowed me to give back to a profession that has given me so much, while ensuring that my voice helps shape the future of veterinary medicine.” — Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, AVMA President

Volunteers amplify our collective impact, expand professional networks, share knowledge, and strengthen the voice of the profession—while demonstrating commitment to animals, clients, and communities.

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Open Leadership Opportunities at a Glance

1) AVMA President-Elect

• Term window: President-elect for Association Year 2027–2028, then President for 2028–2029

• Early candidacy deadline to present to HOD at AVMA Convention 2026: May 21, 2026

• Application window: Open through summer 2027 (formal House of Delegates election occurs during the 2027 annual session)

The AVMA is also continuing to accept nominations for 2026–27 president-elect and 2026–28 vice president, with elections by the HOD at AVMA Convention 2026 (July 10–14, Anaheim, CA).

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2) AVMA Board of Directors (Districts 4 & 11)

• What’s open: One director per district for six-year terms starting summer 2026

• District 4: Florida, Georgia, Puerto Rico

• District 11: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming

• How to be nominated: By state VMAs or by petition of 50 AVMA voting members in the district

• Nomination deadline: February 1, 2026

• If multiple nominees: Ballots will be distributed to voting members in that district

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3) Councils & Committees (Multiple Vacancies)

Council on Education (AVMA COE)

• Seat: One COE member representing private small animal clinical practice

• Apply: Jan 15–Mar 15, 2026

• Site Visitors: Applications open Dec 1–Jan 15, 2026; training Sept 25–27, 2026 (application forms available mid-December)

Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities (CVTEA)

• Openings: Two positions (six-year terms July 2026–July 2032)

• Application window: Mid-November 2025 start; due Feb 10, 2026

• Eligibility (tech position): Graduate of a CVTEA-accredited program; NAVTA member in good standing; preference for grads within the past five years

• Other opening: A veterinarian representing small animal clinical veterinary medicine

AVMA Councils (elected by the HOD at AVMA Convention 2026)

• Councils with vacancies:

  • Council on Biologic and Therapeutic Agents

  • Council on Public Health

  • Council on Research

  • Council on Veterinary Service

• Nomination path: From organizations in the HOD or by petition of 10 AVMA voting members

• Deadline: May 1, 2026

House Advisory Committee (HAC)

• Vacancies: Four at-large seats (three-year terms July 2026–July 2029)

• Application deadline: May 1, 2026

Additional Committees (Board Appointments)

• Topics: Animal welfare, food safety, veterinary economics, and more

• Who decides: AVMA Board of Directors in April 2026

• How to apply/nominate: Members may self-apply or nominate others; some vacancies require nominations by specific HOD-represented organizations (see each vacancy description)

• Deadline: March 1, 2026

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Key Dates & Deadlines

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Who Should Apply?

• Practitioners (small animal, large animal, public health, industry) who want a voice in standards, policy, and accreditation

• Early-career veterinarians looking to build leadership experience and national networks

• Veterinary technicians/technologists (especially CVTEA-program grads and NAVTA members) ready to elevate technician education and standards

• Academics & researchers who shape curricula, accreditation, and evidence-based policy

• Public- and population-health veterinarians who bridge One Health and societal impact

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How to Nominate or Apply

• Visit the AVMA website for vacancy details and application/nomination forms

• Email: [email protected] for guidance on eligibility, forms, and timelines

• Tip: Prepare a concise CV, a focused personal statement (impact, skills, and perspective), and—where required—endorsements or petitions well before the deadlines.

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Pro Tips to Strengthen Your Application

1. Align with mission: Tie your experience to AVMA’s strategic priorities (animal welfare, public health, economics, education).

2. Quantify your impact: Use data points—practice metrics, program outcomes, community reach.

3. Show breadth & collaboration: Highlight cross-disciplinary work (e.g., One Health, emergency response, DEI initiatives).

4. Secure endorsements early: For petition routes, start signature gathering 6–8 weeks ahead.

5. Be election-ready: If presenting to the HOD, refine a clear 60–90 second vision statement.

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FAQs

Do I have to be an AVMA member?
Yes—most roles require AVMA voting membership; some have additional criteria (e.g., CVTEA technician seat requires NAVTA membership).

What is the HOD?
The House of Delegates represents state and allied VMAs; it elects certain leaders and council members and serves as the profession’s policy-making body.

What’s the time commitment?
Varies by role. Expect regular meetings (virtual/in-person), document review, and occasional travel (e.g., AVMA Convention, trainings).

Can I self-nominate?
Yes for many roles; others require nomination by HOD-represented organizations or petitions as specified.

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Correction (Update)

A previous version misstated the AVMA Council on Education site visitor application deadline. The correct application window is December 1–January 15, 2026 (with training September 25–27, 2026).

Leadership is more than showing up—it’s speaking up. If you’re ready to help shape veterinary medicine, explore open positions and submit your materials before the deadlines.
Questions? Email [email protected].