AAAP Fall 2024 President Letter

As the upcoming crisp air of fall begins to sweep through our days, we are filled with a sense of purpose and excitement for what lies ahead. The changing colors of the leaves and the harvest season remind us of the beauty of transformation and the abundance that can come from our collective efforts.

It is an honor for me to be the president of our association from 2024 -2025, and I would like to extend my sincere gratitude and thanks to Dr. Deirdre Johnson, our AAAP past president, and the Board of Directors for their tireless work and unwavering commitment to our members.

I am thrilled to share that the Program Advisory Committee successfully presented our first-ever hybrid scientific program at this year’s Annual Meeting. This gathering marked our second independent meeting apart from the AVMA and highlighted our commitment to diversification and responsiveness to member feedback. Many thanks to Dr. Natalie Armour Manginsay for her dedication and hard work during her years as the chair of the above-mentioned committee. Our attendance this year was 787 in person and 45 for online only for a total of 832 who participated in this year’s program. Thank you to all who participated in the post meeting evaluation.

In response to your suggestions, we have implemented changes such as conducting some committee meetings online and shortening the duration of our in-person meetings. We also changed the method for the selection of the next venues for our annual scientific meetings. Our members now have input in this process and have recently selected our venue for 2026 as Orlando, Florida. While we recognize that these adjustments may not be perfect for everyone, please be assured that we are listening to you and continuously seeking ways to improve based on your feedback.

We appreciate your continued support and participation. Your insights are invaluable as we strive to enhance our organization and better serve our members.

We are also pleased to report that our webinars have been working well, and we greatly appreciate your active participation. To continue enhancing the value of these sessions, I encourage you to contact the corresponding committee chairs and the education committee with your suggestions for webinars and topics of interest. Your input is invaluable in ensuring our webinars address the most relevant and engaging subjects for our members. Thank you to our education committee who have been working to organize these webinars.

Since I joined the organization, working and actively participating on different committees and, more precisely, in 2023, as a member of the AAAP Board of Directors, I have been learning more about the organization, including its committee structure and its internal behind-the-scenes functioning. Most of AAAP’s work is accomplished by volunteers who put great effort and time into their tasks. I would like to remind you that a comprehensive list of all our committees is available on the AAAP website. I encourage you to explore the list and identify the committees that align with your interests and passions. Your participation and collaboration are crucial to our ongoing success. We value the diverse skills and perspectives that each member brings to the table, and we look forward to your involvement in the areas that inspire you most.

As we move forward into this year, I would like to share some of my key goals and initiatives that I believe will strengthen our organization and make it a memorable year for all.

Firstly, it is my aim to inspire and recognize the invaluable work of our committees, associate editors of our journal, and the professional staff at our AAAP headquarters. Their dedication and hard work are the backbone of our success, and acknowledging their contributions is a top priority.

As mentioned during our business meeting, another important goal is increasing our membership. We are currently at 1,064 total members and hope to continue that growth. It's important to spread the word that our membership is open to all individuals interested in poultry, regardless of their profession. Several weeks ago, I had the opportunity to present to the American Society of Virologists, where I highlighted the significant role virologists play in our organization. This outreach is just the beginning, and I am committed to continuing these efforts to attract diverse and passionate members to our industry.

None of this would have been possible without your support. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each member for your contributions, whether through volunteering, sponsorship, or donations.

As we move forward, I am confident that together, we will continue to achieve great things. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. I look forward to a year of growth, innovation, and success.

Warm regards,

Claudia Osorio