AVMF welcomes 2025-2026 board leadership: Dr. Heather Case as chair, Dr. Erin Casey as vice chair
The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) is excited to announce the appointment of Dr. Heather Case as chair and Dr. Erin Casey as vice chair of the AVMF Board of Directors. Both leaders bring extensive experience and a deep commitment to the veterinary profession and the AVMF’s mission to support animal health and well-being through education, disaster relief, charitable care, and research.
Meet Dr. Heather Case – chair
Dr. Heather Case steps into the chair role with an extensive background in veterinary medicine, public health, and leadership. She currently serves as CEO of the International Council for Veterinary Assessment, where she helps guide the future of veterinary assessment worldwide.
A proud Minnesotan, Dr. Case earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Minnesota, completed an internship at the Ontario Veterinary College, and went on to become board certified in veterinary preventive medicine. She’s also a Certified Association Executive.
Her career has taken her from mixed animal practice to a residency in public health, and even to Capitol Hill as a congressional fellow. She joined AVMA staff as national coordinator for emergency preparedness and later became director of the Scientific Activities Division. She also deployed with the AVMA’s Veterinary Medical Assistance Team following Hurricane Katrina—a moment that deeply shaped her commitment to service.
Outside of work, Heather is a lifelong fan of Morgan horses and Schipperke dogs.
Meet Dr. Erin Casey – vice chair
Dr. Erin Casey, based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, has served on the AVMF board since 2023 and now steps into the role of vice chair. She works as a professional services veterinarian for Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and has long been active in organized veterinary medicine.
Dr. Casey’s path has been anything but linear—in the best way. After earning her DVM from the University of Georgia, she completed an internship at Friendship Hospital for Animals in D.C., followed by a few years in small animal practice. She holds a master’s in conservation genetics and previously worked in ecotoxicology research on reptiles.
From 2013 to 2015, she was a science and technology policy fellow with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) at the U.S. State Department, where she worked on biosecurity and international disease prevention efforts during the Ebola outbreak. Erin later served in the AVMA House of Delegates, was part of the first AVMA Future Leaders class, and continues to mentor students through the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.
Dr. Casey’s colleagues often point to her enthusiasm, collaborative spirit, and dedication to making a difference—whether through mentorship, advocacy, or hands-on care.
Together, Drs. Case and Casey bring a shared passion for leadership, education, and service that will help carry forward the Foundation’s mission to support veterinarians, students, animals, and communities in meaningful, lasting ways.