Welcome from Ken Opengart, New AAAP Executive Vice President

It is both humbling and exciting to begin this new chapter as Executive Vice President of AAAP. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me and especially appreciative of the opportunity to serve an organization that has played such an important role in my own professional journey.

AAAP has helped shape my scientific foundation and professional development while connecting me with mentors, colleagues, and friends who have influenced my career in ways I could never have anticipated. Over the years, I have seen firsthand the tremendous value AAAP provides to our profession through scientific advancement, continuing education, mentorship, collaboration, and service. Its greatest strength, however, may be the community it creates by bringing together people from academia, industry, and government who share a commitment to advancing poultry health and well-being.

The AAAP Foundation supports the future of our profession by creating opportunities for students, young scientists, and veterinarians through scholarships, awards, and educational programs, while also recognizing the outstanding contributions of established members through awards honoring excellence in research and service. I have personally experienced the impact of the Foundation during my career, first as a young professional and award recipient and later as a donor and supporter. I look forward to helping expand its reach and impact in the years ahead.

As I step into this role, I also want to recognize and thank Dr. Suzanne McCombs for her 10 years of dedicated service as EVP. Suzanne leaves AAAP in excellent shape, reflecting a decade of committed leadership and service to our members and organization. I am particularly grateful that her support did not end with the transition. She has been generous with her time, perspective, and institutional knowledge and continues to mentor me as I settle into the role. I could not ask for a better person to help me learn the ropes, and I am grateful to be building on the strong foundation she has fostered.

That strong foundation was certainly evident at our Annual Meeting in Orlando. The meeting had tremendous energy, excellent scientific and educational programming, and countless opportunities to reconnect with longtime colleagues and meet new ones. The schedule may have kept all of us moving and occasionally forced us to make some difficult choices about where to be, but that is a pretty good problem for a professional meeting to have. My thanks go to everyone who contributed to making Orlando such a successful meeting.

As our profession and industry continue to evolve, I believe AAAP has an increasingly important role to play. We can help translate science into practical solutions, foster professional growth, support the next generation of poultry veterinarians and scientists, and strengthen the relationships that allow our profession to tackle increasingly complex challenges. My commitment is to build on the strong foundation already in place while continually asking how we can deliver even greater value to our members.

AAAP's strength has never rested solely with its Board, committees, staff, or EVP. It rests with an active and engaged membership. The expertise, ideas, energy, and willingness of members to contribute their time and talents are what make this organization work. Whether that means serving on a committee, mentoring a student or young professional, contributing to the Foundation, participating in a program, sharing your expertise, or simply reaching out with an idea, I encourage you to find a way to be involved. AAAP is strongest when our members are not simply members of the organization, but active participants in it.

There will be no shortage of opportunities to put that engagement into action. The remainder of 2026 and 2027 will be busy as we work through our management transition plan, continue preparing for the joint AAAP/PSA Annual Meeting, and we undertake the important work of developing AAAP's 2028–2031 strategic plan. At the same time, the important day-to-day work of AAAP will continue through our committees, where much of our members' expertise is put into action, and through our engagement with key partners such as AVMA and other organizations that help us extend AAAP's voice and influence across the veterinary profession and poultry industry. Each provides an opportunity to listen, learn, and think deliberately about where we want our organization to go next. I hope you will be part of those conversations.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this remarkable professional community, and I look forward to working with all of you. We have a lot to be proud of, a lot to build upon, and plenty of exciting work ahead.