Connection
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Thanks to everyone that participated in the contest for naming the USAHA newsletter
And the winner is… USAHA Connection! You can watch for forthcoming issues for the latest and greatest of USAHA happenings.

The winner of the USAHA logo wear random drawing is Dr. Stacey Schwabenlander of Minnesota. Congratulations, Dr. Schwabenlander!
2018 USAHA Highlights
 
USAHA Honors Hoenig, Rhyan
 
The 122 nd USAHA Annual Meeting was held recently in Kansas City, with almost 1300 individuals in attendance. Each year as part of the event, USAHA takes a moment to recognize certain individuals for their service to the organization and the animal health community.
 
Medal of Distinction
Dr. Don Hoenig of Maine was honored with the prestigious USAHA Medal of Distinction this year. He has been a member of USAHA since 2001, He served as a committee chair for 4 years and served as USAHA president 2007-08. He continues to be active in USAHA and has carried the organization’s principles to other areas of his career in service to animal health. Hoenig was recognized for his exemplary and continued service to the organization, and animal related industries. His passion and leadership example highlight his impact to the organization.
The USAHA Medal of Distinction is awarded annually to recognize one or more distinguished USAHA members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, provided exemplary service, and have made significant contributions to the advancement of the Association.
Photo: Dr. Don Hoenig (l) with Dr. Kristin Haas.
Federal Partnership Award
Dr. Jack Rhyan of Colorado was presented with the USAHA Federal Partnership award. Dr. Rhyan’s veterinary career spans over four decades, Dr. Rhyan’s far-reaching contributions in the world of brucellosis and wildlife reservoirs. Dr. Rhyan has led numerous research projects which resulted in more than 60 peer-reviewed publications that provided critical information for regulatory and diagnostic veterinarians. Dr. Rhyan has been with USDA-APHIS-Veterinary Services since 1990, starting at the NVSL and culminating as head of the Wildlife Livestock Disease Investigations Team.
In the words of his colleagues, he has been an innovator, collaborator, and leader in the field. This is all we can ask of members of USAHA. We are pleased to recognize his service promoting animal health and regulatory medicine.
The USAHA Federal Partnership Award is designated for the recognition of a federal employee that has demonstrated commendable service to the betterment of animal health in the United States. Candidates can be employed at any level of an Official Federal Agency Member of USAHA.
Photo: Dr. Jack Rhyan (center) with Drs. Doug Meckes and Marty Zaluski.
Other Awards

Dr. Andy Schwartz, Texas, was the recipient of the APHIS Administrator’s Award. Schwartz was honored for his work as Texas State Veterinarian, notably leadership on cattle fever tick programs.
Photo: APHIS Administrator Kevin Shea presents the award to Dr. Andy Schwartz, with Undersecretary Greg Ibach and VS Deputy Administrator Dr. Jack Shere.


Dr. David Schmitt, Iowa, received the National Assembly of State Animal Health Officials’ Award. Schmitt was recognized for his service as Iowa’s state veterinarian, and contributions of his leadership and expertise to the National Assembly.
Photo: Dr. Scott Marshall (l), National Assembly President presents the award to Dr. David Schmitt.
USAHA Committee Leaders Recognized
USAHA Committees are the foundation of the organization, and their success is attributed to the talented leaders that serve as chairs. USAHA includes 30 committees and subcommittees, requiring a time commitment and dedication to accomplishing the missions of each committee. We recognize each year those chairs that have served a 5 years or are rotating off of their position.
o   Dr. Linda Glaser - Committees on Import, Export and International Standards; Interstate and International Commerce
o   Dr. Elizabeth Wagstrom - Committee on Pharmaceutical Issues
o   Dr. Donna Gatewood - Committee on Biologics and Biotechnology
o   Dr. Andy Schwartz -Committee on Equine
o   Dr. Tammy Beckham - Committee on Foreign and Emerging Diseases
o   Dr. David Smith - Committee/Subcommittee on Johne’s Disease
o   Dr. Colin Gillin- Committee on Wildlife
o   Mr. Kevin Maher - Committee/Subcommittee on Livestock Identification
o   Dr. Dale Lauer- Committee on Poultry and Other Avian Species

New Officers Installed
The USAHA Executive Committee, comprised of its seven elected officers and executive director, has it’s 2018-2019 team together, following the election by the membership and approval by the Board of Directors.
“The USAHA Executive Committee is an engaging group of leaders, and very thoughtfully designed to bring both continuity and broad perspectives to the organization,” says Ben Richey, executive director. “Each year, the dynamic changes a bit with new faces, but the passion and talent that is contributed remains top-notch.”
2018-2019 Officers are:
  •      President: Kristin Haas, DVM, and State Veterinarian of Vermont
  •      President-Elect: Marty Zaluski, DVM, State Veterinarian of Montana
  •      First Vice-President: Charlie Hatcher, DVM, State Veterinarian of Tennessee
  •      Second Vice-President: Dusty Oedekoven, DVM, DACPVM, State Veterinarian of South Dakota
  •    Third Vice-President: Steve Rommereim, President of the National Pork Board and Producer from South Dakota
  •     Treasurer: Annette Jones, DVM, State Veterinarian of California
  •     Immediate Past President is Barb Determan, Pork Producer from Iowa
The Executive Committee meets monthly by teleconference, as well as several face-to-face meetings throughout the year.

And last but not least, congratulations to Barb Determan on her year of service as USAHA President. Additional thanks also goes to Dr. Boyd Parr, who completes his tenure on the USAHA Executive Committee. Thank you both for your leadership!
U.S. Animal Health Association | usaha.org