In this episode, AAEP Past President Katie Garrett, DVM, DACVS, discussed the proposed changes to the AAEP Bylaws. She explained the upcoming vote on 18 amendments, the officer selection process, and the role of the nominating committee.
Governance Task Force
The American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) formed its Governance Task Force in January 2024 to comprehensively review the organization’s bylaws, which had not been examined in 12 years. The task force included members from various backgrounds, including a past president of the British Equine Veterinary Association. The group met virtually throughout the year and presented their recommendations to the Board of Directors in July. The Board approved most of the amendments, which they will now send to the membership for approval. The most significant amendment passed at the General Membership meeting during the Annual Convention in Orlando allows for electronic voting on future bylaw amendments instead of in-person, enabling the entire membership to have a say. The current process involves a 30-day review period followed by a 30-day voting period.
Proposed Amendments
Garrett explained the upcoming vote on 18 amendments, focusing on the officer selection process and the role of the nominating committee. The proposed amendments to the organization’s bylaws are focused on removing redundancies and streamlining the governance structure. She explained that the bylaws should serve as guiding principles, while standard operating procedures (SOPs) detail the specifics. Garrett also highlighted the need for flexibility in creating and dissolving committees, as opposed to the current process of amending the bylaws each time. She encouraged members to ask questions before voting on the proposed amendments, emphasizing the importance of representing as many member views as possible. She said the current process has served the organization well, but most members indicated in a recent survey that they wanted a more engaged election process for AAEP officers where the general membership can vote between two candidates.
Final Thoughts
Because of the importance of personal connections in encouraging participation in voting, Garrett suggested members remind their friends to vote. Voting on the amendments will begin in mid-January, and the AAEP will send out multiple emails to encourage participation. Garrett encouraged members to reach out to her or current president Tracy Turner, DVM, DACVS, DACVSMR, with any concerns.
You can reach Dr. Garrett at kgarrett@roodandriddle.com and Dr. Turner at tracyturner1953@gmail.com
Additional Resources
- Amendments that will be voted on in mid-January: https://aaep.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=098934c9131c3fad1fa75df6c&id=d308076835&e=871ff70f5e
- Webinar on the bylaw amendments: https://aaep.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=098934c9131c3fad1fa75df6c&id=94182fc31a&e=871ff70f5e
- Written communication to membership about the bylaws amendments: https://aaep.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=098934c9131c3fad1fa75df6c&id=94182fc31a&e=871ff70f5e
- Video communication: https://aaep.us6.list-manage.com/track/click?u=098934c9131c3fad1fa75df6c&id=47d25cd5ed&e=871ff70f5e
About Dr. Katie Garrett
Katie Garrett, DVM, DACVS, attended Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 1999. She then attended veterinary school at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, graduating with distinction in 2003. Garrett completed two internships and an equine surgery residency at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, achieving board certification in the American College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2012. Her main area of interest is diagnostic imaging, in particular musculoskeletal MRI and laryngeal imaging. She heads Rood & Riddle Equine’s diagnostic imaging department and was the 2024 AAEP President.
Related Reading
- The Business of Practice: Update From AAEP President Dr. Katie Garrett
- The Business of Practice: 2024 AAEP President Katie Garrett
- Veterinary Sustainability: An Update on the AAEP Commission’s 5 Subcommittees
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