From the Executive Director || Jo-ell Carson
It’s hard to believe, but I recently passed my five-year anniversary as the Executive Director of the WVMA. In these past five years, so much has changed—in the world, the country, our state, veterinary medicine, and at the WVMA. I can’t help but take a little trip down memory lane.
My first day was October 30, 2020. Yep, back in the pandemic when the WVMA and all associations were without in-person events. In the fall of 2020, the team was in the final stages of launching the ‘new’ Online Learning platform. Winter brought my first advocacy initiative—protecting veterinarians as essential workers. Besides keeping members rapidly informed of the ever-changing circumstances, we were also trying to keep you connected in an online-only world.
Given all the pandemic craziness, I hadn’t yet met many of our community in person. It’s hard to remember how that all felt.
An Obvious Difference
From the very beginning, I knew something was different about this Wisconsin veterinary community. Having been a part of seven different professions/industries, the authenticity, compassion, and passion were evident from the start. I recall scheduling my first interview. The recruiter asked if I’d be willing to meet with the board president and president-elect in a backyard on a Sunday afternoon. That was definitely a first in my professional career. I remember thinking, “I can make myself available, but why would volunteer leadership give up a Sunday afternoon?”
But, they did. And that meeting blew me away. The excitement for the profession, the people of the community, and the desire to move it forward rang through in the most authentic way. It was unlike any interview I’d ever had. It was easy to be myself and see the incredible possibilities.
As the stages of interviews on a shortened timeline wrapped up one by one, I remember my final meeting. It was in person, socially distanced, with the full search-and-screen committee, and I was asked to speak to my six-month plan. I went through the many steps of my plan and was asked a question by Dr. Ruthanne Chun that I’ll never forget: “Jo-ell, this is all great and quite a lot. My question to you is, how do you keep yourself balanced and keep from burning out?” I was absolutely speechless. My answer was something like, “I have no idea. No one has ever asked me that question before or even expressed concern!”
Skip Ahead Five Years
Even though it didn’t seem like it would at the time, the world did eventually reopen, and I’ve had the privilege of meeting many of you. You’ve shared your concerns and issues, your expertise and time, your passion and compassion. And while not all conversations are easy, most have come from a good place with good intentions.
The last five years sometimes feel like a whirlwind, but I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. We have a new strategic plan, a new governance structure, and new ways to deliver CE both online and with new in-person events. We’ve changed our technology platform, our office, increased our staff, and increased interest in board positions. While I do think we have the best ‘small but mighty team’, none of this happens without our members. You’ve been on this journey with us and allowed us to try new things by offering your feedback and engagement. For that, I’m grateful.
I remember the feeling from that first meeting in Dr. Tom Bach’s backyard with Dr. Ann Sherwood Zieser. Fast-forward five years and that feeling is the same—this organization is extremely special and I want to be a part of it. I want to do my part to support and advance the amazing Wisconsin veterinarians who take care of the animals that make our world better. Thank you for inviting me into this community and trusting me to be your Executive Director these past five years.