AAAP Spring 2026 President Letter

As I reflect on my journey as an AAAP member and now President, I am reminded of how deeply this organization—and the mentors within it—have shaped my commitment to service. The AAAP taught me the importance of giving back and embracing the idea of paying it forward. My involvement in organized veterinary medicine and industry groups made it clear early on that this would be a lifelong path. Serving on committees and on the Board has given me a deeper appreciation for the people, volunteers, and members who make the AAAP thrive.

Volunteerism offers some of the greatest rewards in our professional lives: a strong sense of belonging, lifelong relationships, and a network that supports both personal and career growth. I encourage all our members to fully embrace these opportunities.

In that spirit, I am proud to share that three future leaders of the AAAP—Meagan Abraham, Rana Waqar Tabish, and Stephanie Benedict—represented us at the AVMA Veterinary Leadership Conference in Chicago. It was at last year’s conference that I first learned about the volunteerism engagement continuum: a journey that moves from consuming, to promoting, to creating, to serving, and ultimately to governing. I hope many of you will consider where you are on this path—and where you want to go next.

One of the most valuable benefits of membership is access to the Avian Diseases journal. I encourage you to explore the special issue, Volume 69, Issue S1, dedicated entirely to Avian Metapneumovirus.

Our 2026 Annual Meeting will be held July 28–30 in Orlando, Florida, at the Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista Hotel.

Highlights include:

We look forward to offering a convenient, enjoyable, and engaging meeting experience for all attendees.

Finally, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to our outgoing Executive Vice‑President, Dr. Suzanne Young McComb, who concludes her second five-year term in July after ten years of service. She has decided not to re-apply. Under her leadership:

Thank you, Suzanne, for your extraordinary dedication to the AAAP.