Leadership is built on trust and relationships.
I am proud to have the support of colleagues from across the veterinary profession - individuals who have seen my leadership, collaboration, and commitment firsthand.
I have known Sandy Willis for several decades, and what has never changed is the quality she brings to everything she does: genuine passion, deep commitment, and a rare ability to truly listen — not just to solve today's problem, but to understand what veterinary medicine will need tomorrow.
I have watched her serve the profession at every level — as AVMA District 11 Representative, as Chairwoman of the AVMA Board of Directors, and as Board President of the Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project, where we work together. In each role, she shows up the same way: fully engaged, forward-thinking, and in it for the right reasons.
The AVMA needs a president who leads with both heart and vision. That is Sandy Willis.
Sally Thompson Iritani, DVM, PhD
President, WSVMA
Treasurer, Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Project
I am pleased to offer my formal and strong recommendation of Dr. Sandy Willis for the position of President-Elect of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
I had the privilege of serving in the AVMA House of Delegates for over a decade alongside Dr. Willis. Being in the same district, I had many opportunities to observe her leadership firsthand. I quickly came to recognize her as deeply committed to organized veterinary medicine and to the profession as a whole.
While we did not always agree on every policy matter, Dr. Willis consistently demonstrated a willingness to listen to differing perspectives. She approached discussions with professionalism and respect, giving thoughtful and fair consideration to all viewpoints before forming conclusions.
Dr. Willis is a positive, cordial, and forward-thinking leader. She carefully evaluates available information, weighs the facts, and takes action. This is exactly what the AVMA needs in our leadership.
The AVMA will greatly benefit from Dr. Willis’s integrity, experience, and commitment to progress. I am confident that she will serve the organization and the veterinary profession with distinction. I offer my full support of her candidacy for president-elect.
William Duncan, DVM
House of Delegates 2015 - 2024
I fully endorse and I strongly encourage your support for Dr. Sandy Willis for AVMA President-elect. Dr. Willis is a passionate advocate for the veterinary profession which she has demonstrated through many leadership roles at the local, state and
national levels.
I have had the professional privilege of engaging in and serving with Dr. Willis in organized veterinary medicine in her numerous leadership positions. In every capacity she has served and lead with integrity, trust, enthusiasm and resiliency to engage all stakeholders in developing best governance and best outcomes for the issues at hand.
The spectrum of challenges that continually bombard veterinary medicine are seemingly becoming more complex with numerous forces which tend to fragment the professions’ voice and to disrupt our cohesiveness as a united profession.
The diversity of our profession is also our strength, and it is more important now than ever that we all come to the same table to ensure a vibrant future for all sectors of veterinary medicine.
Dr. Willis is uniquely qualified to be at the table and to lead the AVMA at this critical time. She is able to identify common ground, build consensus and help forge a better path forward. She believes strongly in the future of veterinary medicine and truly embraces our AVMA logo “Our Passion, Our Profession”.
Please join me in supporting Dr. Sandy Willis for the office of AVMA President-elect.
Thomas F. Meyer, DVM
AVMA Past President 2016-2017
I have known Dr. Sandy Willis for many years and have followed both her professional career and her dedicated volunteer service. She was an outstanding intern during my time at the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and left a lasting impression.
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In recent years, Dr. Willis has served as the AVMA liaison to the American Association of Industry Veterinarians, where she demonstrated strong advocacy and collaborative leadership. She has also contributed extensively through her work with World Vets and as chair of multiple AVMA committees.
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Dr. Willis exemplifies servant leadership. I am honored to consider her a mentor, and I strongly believe it is time for her to serve as AVMA President-Elect.
Debra Nickelson, DVM , MBA
AVMA Delegate American Association of Industry Veterinarians
Dr. Sandy Willis has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to the veterinary profession through decades of service, thoughtful leadership, and a genuine investment in veterinarians, veterinary teams, and the communities they serve.
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Her leadership style is grounded, collaborative, and focused on bringing people together to address the opportunities and challenges facing our profession. Throughout her career, Dr. Willis has consistently worked to build connections, foster meaningful dialogue, and advance solutions that strengthen veterinary medicine for practitioners, patients, and clients alike.
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She leads with integrity, authenticity, and a deep commitment to service - qualities that have earned the trust and respect of colleagues across the profession. Her ability to listen, collaborate, and follow through makes her an exceptional candidate for AVMA President-Elect and a leader well-positioned to help guide the future of veterinary medicine.
Rena Carlson, DVM
AVMA Past President 2024-2025