James Swearengen appointed AAALAC global director

Dr. James Swearengen, the current president of AAALAC's Council on Accreditation, will assume duties as Global Director of AAALAC International on September 6. As Global Director, Swearengen will oversee the global accreditation program, assist the Executive Director with policy and program implementation, and promote AAALAC's worldwide mission. Prior to his long history with AAALAC, Swearengen directed an ACLAM-approved laboratory animal medicine residency program, was appointed Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, and held leadership roles at several organizations and international committees dedicated to laboratory animal science. “Dr. Swearengen has an exceptionally rich international background that extends beyond his affiliation with AAALAC,” said Dr. Kathryn Bayne, AAALAC International Executive Director. “This experience, combined with his deep knowledge of AAALAC's accreditation program and processes, will serve AAALAC extremely well in his new position as Global Director. We are thrilled to welcome him back in this new capacity.”

Janet Donlin to lead AVMA

Dr. Janet Donlin will take over as chief executive officer of the American Veterinary Association (AVMA), succeeding Dr. Ron DeHaven after his nine-year tenure. Dr. Donlin has been involved with the AVMA for 17 years, first serving as assistant director in the AVMA Scientific Activities Division in 1991. AVMA President Dr. Tom Meyer commented, “She has an outstanding record of success in both the veterinary association arena and in the animal health industry. She is a skilled strategist with a proven background of diverse AVMA experience and a known reputation for working with leaders from all segments of the veterinary profession, key stakeholders and staff members to drive innovation, growth and success.” Donlin will lead the AVMA as it approaches a total membership of 90,000 veterinarians. “I'm passionate about member service, and I am honored and humbled to be entrusted with what I consider to be one of the most important positions in veterinary medicine,” Donlin said.

Allentown expands in Germany

Allentown is set to expand by opening a new Showroom and Warehouse facility in Germany. The new facility, which will be staffed by Field Service Technician Renato Fieseler and Office Manager Asmae El Ouarti, will house and display a large inventory of Allentown IVCs and other lab animal housing products for industry experts to experience. The facility will also support training for Allentown staff.

Adrian Hardy appointed CEO of Envigo

Envigo announced this past June that Adrian Hardy, previously serving as Chief Operating Officer, will take over as Chief Executive Officer effective July 2016. Hardy will also join the company's Board of Directors. Commenting on his new position and concomitant moves of previous CEO Brian Cass (now Executive Chairman) and Chairman Andrew Baker (now Chairman emeritus), Hardy said, “I'm delighted and extremely proud to be taking on this role at such an exciting time for Envigo and the research community. I've worked closely with Andrew and Brian during my time with the company and would like to thank them for their contributions to making Envigo the world class company it is today.” Hardy holds a BSc in Human Biology from King's College London and a PhD in Developmental Biology from University College London.

Careers update

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has recently elected Dr. Stacy Pritt as vice president. Pritt received her DVM degree from Washington State University and currently serves as IACUC director at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, President of the Women's Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative, and a member of the AVMA Political Action Committee Board. In addition to serving as a voting member of the AVMA Board of Directors, Pritt will act as liaison to the Student AVMA and its chapters. Pritt remarks, “Today's veterinary students are the future of our profession... I look forward to serving as our students' voice on a national level.”