Executive Director

Organizational Overview

Vision: Pursuing Excellence in the Veterinary Profession.

Mission: The California Veterinary Medical Association is committed to serving its membership and community through innovative leadership and to improving animal and human health in an ethically and socially responsible manner.

Core Values: Leadership, Animal/Human Health, Ethics and Social Responsibility, Service to Members, Improvement.

About CVMA: Founded in 1888, CVMA is the largest statewide veterinary medical association in the country with approximately 7,000 members including veterinarians, registered veterinary technicians, students, and academics. CVMA’s affiliations include the California Veterinary Medical Foundation (CVMF), the Veterinary Insurance Services Company (VISC), and a Political Action Committee (PAC) that contributes to California legislators.

Budget: CVMA operates a $4‑million annual budget largely generated from membership dues and conference revenue. FY 2025‑26 revenue is projected at $4.2 million.

Position Summary

The Executive Director provides overall day‑to‑day management of CVMA, steering membership recruitment and retention, member benefits and services, continuing education offerings, legislative and regulatory advocacy, and member‑facing communications. The Executive Director leads a staff of 16 across five departments, oversees CVMF and the PAC, and serves as the primary liaison to VISC and the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The role reports to the Board of Governors and works closely with the Board President, Executive Committee, and various committees and task forces.

General Job Duties

• Implement Board motions, directives, and policies, and propose Association initiatives.
• Serve as primary staff interface with the President, Executive Committee, and Board of Governors.
• Oversee CVMA staff, including hiring, firing, discipline, dispute resolution, and compensation setting.
• Editor‑in‑Chief of California Veterinarian magazine and other CVMA publications.
• Act as liaison to UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Western University College of Veterinary Medicine, AVMA, VMAE, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct periodic review and revisions of CVMA’s governing documents, including Constitution/Bylaws, Policy Manual, and employee handbook.
• Serve as Board member of VISC and primary CVMA liaison to VISC.
• Collaborate with CVMA staff, lobbyists, Legislative Committee, and Board of Governors on legislative and regulatory initiatives.
• Attend CVMA conferences, seminars, AVMA, and VMAE events.

Expected Outcomes for the First Year

• Within 60 days: Meet key stakeholders and establish regular communication and relationship‑building plan.
• Within 120 days: Review financial, membership, program, legislative, and regulatory issues.
• By year end: Become an integral and respected industry leader, a proactive and successful advocate for the profession, and an effective coalition‑builder.

Compensation

Salary: $200,000–$225,000, dependent on experience and qualifications. Additional board service compensation of $10,500 per year for VISC Board membership. Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance. Contribution to a 401(k) retirement plan. Estimated travel at 15%.

Professional Experience

• Seven or more years of professional experience with increasing responsibility.
• Experience managing a budget of at least $2 million and a staff of at least 10.
• Experience working for a membership or trade association.
• Understanding of legislative and regulatory advocacy; California experience preferred.
• Experience reporting to or serving on a Board.

Professional Competencies

• Organization and management skills.
• Leadership skills.
• Outstanding oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to anticipate future trends that may impact the organization and stakeholders.
• Enjoys building relationships and representing CVMA.

Education & Credentials

• Undergraduate degree required; MBA or JD a plus.
• Certificate in association management a plus.
• DVM a plus.

Culture

• Trust, honor, and respect.
• Honesty, reliability, proactivity, and dependability.
• Advancement and protection of the veterinary profession and its business.
• Innovation and technology leverage.
• Alignment with the diverse size, type, and geography of CVMA members.
• Recognition of the community‑based nature of the veterinary profession.
• Passion for CVMA’s mission and purpose.
• Internal and external customer orientation.
• Promotion of individual and team development and empowerment.

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