BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Ms. Heather Prendergast
RVT, CVPM, SPHR
Board President
Travis McDermott
DVM
President-Elect
Brian Darrow
DVM
Vice-President
David Stearns
RVT
Secretary, Treasurer, Parliamentarian
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR
Board-President
Heather Prendergast, RVT, CVPM, SPHR:
Heather has spent over 30 years in the veterinary industry, with 20 years in small animal practice. She has authored the book “Practice Management for the Veterinary Team, now in its 4th edition which was released in March 2024. Heather has also authored the book “Review Questions and Answers for Veterinary Technicians” that are preparing to sit for the VTNE, now in its 6th edition.
Heather is the founder of Synergie Veterinary Consulting Group, a team composed of CVPMs, Credentialed Veterinary Technicians, Veterinarians, and a graphics designer that focus on developing leadership and culture in practices while employing appropriate team leveraging to increase efficiency and enhance the ‘flow of services’.
When she is not lecturing, writing, or consulting, she instructs Practice Management courses with Appalachian State University Veterinary Technology Program, volunteers for industry organizations such as NAVTA, VHMA, and VetPartners, and is the current President of the Viticus Group (formally known as WVC). -
Travis McDermott, DVM
President-Elect
Travis McDermott, DVM
Dr. Travis McDermott was born in Galveston, Texas, and grew up in a small, rural town called La Grange, Texas. He obtained both his undergraduate and veterinary degrees from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. After receiving his veterinary degree in 2006, Dr. McDermott moved to Las Vegas and has been practicing small animal medicine since that time with a passion for three things: providing the best possible care for his patients, contributing to his profession by involvement in organized veterinary medicine, and enjoying time with his wife and three children.
Dr. McDermott has worked for over 16 years providing care to the pets of Las Vegas (including furry things, scaling things, and feathered things). He has also been actively involved in providing pet owner education through social media, community outreach, and work with local news outlets. While he has been practicing for quite a while, Dr. McDermott has been involved with organized veterinary medicine for even longer – 2 decades. He has served as President of the Student AVMA and the Nevada VMA as well as in the AVMA House of Delegates, on the AVMA Political Action Committee, and now as a member of the Viticus Group Board of Directors. If all things veterinary medicine is his passion, everything else in his life is his family. Dr. McDermott is married to Dr. Nasim McDermott, a board-certified gastroenterologist, and they share their life with their three children – Owen, Aiden, and Emma. -
Brian Darrow, DVM
Vice-President
Brian Darrow, DVM
Brian Darrow is a mixed animal practitioner from Anamosa, Iowa. He established the Anamosa Veterinary Clinic in 1984, and it has now grown to a 10-doctor practice.
Brian has served as an Anamosa City Council member, an Anamosa School Board member, and numerous economic developmental roles. In 2012, he started the Sharon Live on Foundation, which has the mission to eradicate rabies in Kenya, and continues to serve as the foundation President. He also serves on the Board of Directors at Citizens Savings Bank in Anamosa, and is an affiliated faculty member of Iowa State University.
His memberships include AVMA, IVMA, AABP, Academy of Veterinary Consultants, and American Embyro Transfer Association. He has received the Rotary International Award, the Iowa Veterinary Associations Presidents Award, the Iowa State Alumni Merit Award, and has been inducted into the Junior Achievement of Eastern Iowa Business Hall of Fame.Brian has considered it a privilege to serve on the Viticus Group Board of Directors for the past five years. He credits the WVC conference and skills he has acquired at the Oquendo Center for where his practice is today. It would be an honor for your consideration as he runs for Vice President of the Board of Directors, and he is truly excited to see this organization continue to grow and support our industry.
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E. David Stearns, RVT
Secretary/Treasurer - Parliamentarian
Mr. David Stearns is currently the general manager for VitalRads, a Houston-based teleradiology company. Mr. Stearns’s experience includes many years of sales and marketing leadership for industry-leading companies in diagnostics and animal health, as well as teaching in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technology program. He worked as an RVT in a mixed animal practice and as the hospital administrator of a small animal practice. Mr. Stearns was part of the founding group of NAVTA and is the past-president of the Oklahoma and Kansas Veterinary Technician Associations. He has lectured and authored several articles including a chapter in the Clinical Textbook for Veterinary Technicians. He has served on the AVMA’s CVTEA and chaired the National Board Exam Committee. Mr. Stearns served as the veterinary technician director on the Board of Directors for a five-year term and is currently serving as the secretary-treasurer for WVC.
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Mrs. Linda Markland, RVT
Director
Linda Markland, RVT, has been a member of the veterinary community for more than 40 years. Her work includes a diverse range of experience, from small animal clinical practice and teaching, to corporate management. She has a special interest in engaging, educating, and empowering veterinary nurses and technicians. She is an active member of veterinary nurse/technician related organizations and has served in many leadership roles including NAVTA, as the Global Outreach Chair and on the CE Committee. Linda has received many awards from the organizations she supports.
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Megan Skeffington, DVM
Director
Dr. Megan Skeffington is a Professional Services Veterinarian for IDEXX, Laboratories. For almost 15 years she practiced as an associate veterinarian for both private and corporate hospitals, as well as a Chief is Staff. She loves all aspects of veterinary medicine and has a special interest in diagnostics, soft tissue surgery, and endocrinology. She is very passionate about the human-animal bond and making sure that pets are healthy, happy members of the family for as long as possible. Dr. Skeffington has worked in several capacities of the veterinary profession, including mentoring new veterinary graduates, developing critical skills and has been a speaker and advocate for veterinary communication. She has spoken at WVC Annual Meeting and Recent Graduate Symposium and has worked to develop the new Clinical Skills Training continuing education course at WVC.Dr. Skeffington was born and raised in Eastern Iowa where her veterinary career started at the age of 11, riding along on farm calls and working in the kennels. She attended Iowa State University, where she obtained her Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine in 2006. She and her husband moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Upstate New York in 2010, where they enjoy traveling, hiking and camping with their two Brittany Spaniels.
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Miguel Ortiz, DVM, MID, DACVPM
Director
Dr. Miguel Ortiz, DVM, MID, ACVPM
Hello!
I am Dr. Miguel Ortiz, a small animal veterinarian from Pittsburgh, and am running for Vice President of the Viticus Group's Board of Directors. I have a solid academic foundation and diverse real-world experiences and am an excellent choice for this leadership role.
I graduated from the Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, hold a master’s degree in public policy from the University of Pittsburgh, and am board certified by the American College of Veterinary Preventive Medicine. I have practiced in small animal clinics, non-profit shelters, and mobile and telehealth practices in Washington and Pennsylvania.
I am deeply moved by the transformative power of the human-animal bond. I am a committed volunteer for the Street Dog Coalition of Pittsburgh, an active member of the Pawsibilities Vet Med network, and I portray “Morph Mouse” for the League of VetaHumanz at Purdue.
As veterinary professionals, we celebrate a child's first kitten one day and respond to a food security crisis or a global pandemic the next. We are vital to the wellbeing of all communities and rise to this challenge through tenacity, innovation, and unending curiosity. The vibrant learning community nurtured by the Wester Veterinary Conference is invaluable in this work. I am grateful for all that I have learned at WVC over the years and the lifelong friendships that I have found here. Your support in my campaign for the Vice Presidency would be an honor.
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Meredyth Jones DVM, MS, DACVIM
Director
Dr. Jones received her DVM from Oklahoma State University in 2002. She entered private mixed-animal practice in Brandenburg, Kentucky, later completing a residency in Large Animal Internal Medicine-Emphasis Food Animal and received an MS degree in Veterinary Biomedical Sciences at Oklahoma State University. She then taught food animal field services at Kansas State and Texas A&M. She is the owner of Large Animal Consulting & Education, an online continuing education company. She joined the food animal faculty at Oklahoma State in the fall of 2018.
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Joan S. Bowen, DVM
Director
Following graduation in 1976, Dr. Joan Bowen opened a mobile small ruminant veterinary practice in Weld and Larimer Counties in northeastern Colorado. This included herd health services for the Colorado State University Bovine Embryo Transfer Program from 1978-1980 and the American Breeders Service Artificial Insemination Facility from 1980 to 1996. </br></br>Over the years, the majority of her clients were small farm flock sheep and goat producers, and while on farm calls, Dr. Bowen provide a variety of small animal services.</br></br> Dr. Bowen has been an active member of the American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners since 1975 and has served in multiple positions on the Board of Directors including two terms as President from 2005-2007 and 2011-2013. She represented AASRP in the AVMA House of Delegates from 2009 through 2019 and on the AVMA Food Safety Advisory Committee from 2012 through 2018.
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Dusty Nagy DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM
Director
Dr. Nagy received her veterinary degree from Cornell University and completed a Masters, residency, and PhD at the University of Missouri. She spent 5 years on the faculty at University of Illinois and 13 at the University of Missouri primarily seeing patients on the food animal ambulatory service, treating beef and dairy cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and camelids. Dr. Nagy is currently a Clinical Associate Professor at Texas A&M University where she leads the food animal medicine and surgery clinical service and instructs students in the preclinical and clinical professional training program.
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Michael P. Jones DVM, DABVP (Avian)
Director
Dr. Jones earned his DVM from the University of Missouri in 1992, followed by a small animal internship and a residency in Avian and Zoological Medicine, both at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM). He is board-certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Avian) and served as an Avian/Exotic consultant for Antech Diagnostics (1995 – 2015). Currently, he is a Professor of Avian & Zoological Medicine at the UTCVM and the primary veterinarian for the American Eagle Foundation. His primary responsibilities include instruction of clinical students, interns, and Avian and Zoological Medicine residents. Mike is passionate about veterinary education, leadership, diversity, and personal and professional growth and enjoys falconry, fishing, playing the trumpet, and dancing.
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Patricia Burbano, DVM
Director
Patricia Burbano, DVM
Dr. Patricia Burbano has led an exciting and varied veterinary career! Patricia spent five years in mixed practice before transitioning to multiple leadership roles in small animal practice. In 2017, she moved into an industry position focused on education, and while in this role, she completed a graduate certificate program in learning and development. Throughout most of her career, she has served the veterinary community as a relief veterinarian and is currently focusing on emergency practice. Patricia is passionate about client service, patient care, and lifelong learning. -
Douglas Kratt, DVM
Director
Douglas Kratt, DVM
I am Dr. Douglas Kratt, a 1998 graduate of the University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, and I am honored to be running for the Viticus Board of Directors. I have been an active member of my local, state, and national veterinary associations since attending veterinary school. I also served as a recent Past President of the American Veterinary Medical Association. My wife, Dr. Kimberley Kratt, and I are both small animal practitioners. Together we own a thriving clinic accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association in central western Wisconsin. I am honored to have been nominated for the Viticus board and look forward to further its mission.
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Dr. James O'Dea, DVM
Veterinary Director
My name is James O’Dea and I currently reside in Las Vegas and practice veterinary emergency and critical care medicine at Animal Emergency Center of Las Vegas. I have attended WVC yearly since 2002 and feel that it is one of the most valuable continuing education conferences for veterinarian professionals. I am well acquainted with Viticus Group’s educational offerings and mission. I have a strong background in veterinary medicine. I came from a large family of veterinarians (great uncle, father, brother, sister, cousin), all of whom graduated from WSU. I have been a successful small business owner for 7 years. I have worked in emergency and critical care medicine for the past 20 years. I am currently the vice-president for the Nevada State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners and have served as a board member for the past 5 years. I am also serving as a board member for the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee for Viticus group. I have aided Oquendo Center and The Animal Foundation (TAF) for various veterinary related tasks over the years. My practice is contracted with TAF, Homeland Security, LVMPD, and NSPCA to help animals in need after hours I have a strong working relationship with a large number of veterinarians in the area due to my long tenure at AEC.
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Adam Miller, DVM
Veterinary Director
Dr. Adam Miller is a highly respected small business owner, veterinarian, and entrepreneur based in Cincinnati, Ohio. A Purdue University graduate with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine and a Bachelor's in Business Management, Dr. Miller has a unique perspective on how to proactively improve the Veterinary Industry. His professional journey includes being the founder and president of Distinct Veterinary Management, LLC, overseeing daily operations of veterinary hospitals in Houston, Texas and Cincinnati, Ohio.
A proud father of three, and the leader of two diverse veterinary teams, Dr. Miller has created a family-oriented culture that rewards both personal and professional growth. Dr. Miller's experience has given him valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the industry. As an advocate for the future of the veterinary industry, he is a member of the Veterinary Angel Network for Entrepreneurs, where he provides direction, connection, and support to early-stage animal health businesses. He strongly believes that a proactive approach is necessary for the industry to succeed, and has developed many innovative ideas to facilitate this transformation. Furthermore, his membership in Veterinary Management Group (VMG) underscores his dedication to the future of veterinary ownership. -
Racquel Bueno, MD, FACS
Human Medicine Director
Racquel Bueno is a Minimally Invasive Bariatric Surgeon and Surgical Endoscopist providing superior patient care for over 20 years. After medical school and residency training at the University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, a wide breadth of experiences and opportunities shaped her: as a general surgeon in a small midwestern community, as a bariatric surgeon in her hometown of Honolulu, Hawaii; as Medical Director at The Endoscopy Institute of Hawaii, an ambulatory surgical center that she co-founded; and most importantly, as a passionate Surgical Educator. It’s through surgical education that she hopes to guide the next generation of surgeons towards opportunities and resources to enrich their careers. Her current work on a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiative project with the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, aims to explore potential processes to optimize training environments and cultures.
She is thrilled by this opportunity to work with the Viticus Group - the leader in continuing education for nearly a century, providing surgeons with a means to master their craft.
PAST PRESIDENTS
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2000-Present
2024
Gary Weddle Las Vegas, NV 2023
Debbie White Las Vegas, NV 2022
Brian Poteet Cypress, TX 2021
Robert Smith Stillwater, OK 2020
Dennis M. McCurnin Las Vegas, NV 2019
Darwin R. Yoder Filer, ID 2018
W. Mark Hilton West Lafayette, IN 2017 Joe M Howell Nichols Hills , OK2016 Jon R. Pennell Las Vegas, NV 2015 George Dyck Newhall, CA 2014 Randall G Ezell Las Vegas, NV 2013 Dennis McCurnin Henderson, NV 2012 James Creed St. George, UT 2011 Cynthia Sprigg-McDowell Cape Girardeau, MO 2010 Robert Smith Stillwater, OK 2009 Ann L. Johnson College Grove, TN 2008 James Furman Alliance, NE 2007 William D. Fortney Manhattan, KS 2006 Walter R. Threlfall Powell, OH 2005 Jack O. Walther Elko, NV 2004 Charles D. Vail Littleton, CO 2003 Robert Miller Columbia, MO 2002 Craig E. Griffin San Diego, CA 2001 Royal W. Ranney Rolla, MO 2000 Arthur A. Bickford Turlock, CA -
1990-1999
1999 Ross D. Clark Tulsa, OK 1998 Clair M. Hibbs Lynden, WA 1997 Vaughn A. Seaton Ames, IA 1996 Robert J. Danielson Caldwell, ID 1995 Wallace W. Wolf The Dalles, OR 1994 William C. Wafer Show Low, AZ 1993 Ronnie G. Elmore Manhattan, KS 1992 James E. Nave Las Vegas, NV 1991 Lloyd C. Faulkner Poteau, OK 1990 Clyde A. Kirkbride Brookings, SD -
1980-1989
1989 Toney G. Reynolds Roswell, NM 1988 Ross O. Mosier Spalding, NE 1987 Hal E. Jenkins Tempe, AZ 1986 James W. Glosser Massillon, OH 1985 Earl L. Drake Reno, NV 1984 Virgil J. Humphries Worland, WY 1983 Richard F. Hall Tifton, GA 1981-82 Philip R. Morgan Coos Bay, OR 1980 Kenneth D. Weide Lincoln, NE -
1970-1979
1979 James H. Wommack Roseville, CA 1978 Richard C. Tolley Chandler, AZ 1977 William W. Hawkins Dillon, MT 1976 George D. Duby Chehalis, WA 1975 Guy E. Reynolds Corvallis, OR 1974 Floyd W. Frank Moscow, ID 1973 Roy A. Nipko Salt Lake City, UT 1972 Keith O. Lassen Mesa, AZ 1971 Reginald A. Stocking Sunland, CA 1970 Donald Miller Springfield, VA -
1960-1969
1969 Don K. Shaffner Dillon, MT 1968 William F. Harris Puyallup, WA 1967 John L. O'Harra Reno, NV 1966 Edward A. Tugaw Salt Lake City, UT 1965 James W. Bailey Moscow, ID 1964 Merthyr L. Miner Bountiful, UT 1963 Bert Reinow Pinedale, WY 1962 Lavon M. Koger Pullman, WA 1961 Harry E. Shaulis Denver, CO 1960 L.V.Reubel Jerome, ID -
1950-1959
1959 E.E. Maas Reno, NV 1958 Everette A. Tunnicliff Bozeman, MT 1957 Hugh Hurst Salt Lake City, UT 1956 George H. Good Wheatland, WY 1955 Floyd R. Mencimer Ogden, UT 1954 Howard F. Wilkins Helena, MT 1953 Rue Jensen Fort Collins, CO 1952 W.W. Fisher Reno, NV 1951 John W. Chambers Garland, UT 1950 Arthur P. Schneider Boise, ID -
1940-1949
1949 Wayne Binns Logan, UT 1948 K.K. Shott Buhl, ID 1947 Ward T. Huffman Salt Lake City, UT 1946 Phil H. Graves Aptos, CA 1945 F.H. Melvin San Clemente, CA 1943-44 A.C. Johnson Cedar City, UT 1942 A.K. Kuttler Boise, ID 1941 Jean C. Fling Estes Park, CO 1940 Hadleigh Marsh Bozeman, MT -
1930-1939
1939 A.H. Francis Denver, CO 1938 O. Wennergren Logan, UT 1937 Elton M. Gildow Lacey, WA 1936 W.H. Hendricks Salt Lake City, UT 1935 E.A. Bundy Ogden, UT 1934 L.R. Vawter Corvallis, OR 1933 H.D. Port Cheyenne, WY 1932 L.C. Butterfield Las Vegas, NV 1931 A.J. Dickman Boise, ID 1930 J.T. Dallas Cheyenne, WY -
1928-1929
1929 W.D. Wright Ogden, UT 1928 H.J. Frederick Logan, UT
EDUCATION MANAGERS
The Education Managers are the backbone of the world-class education presented at the WVC Annual Conference. Each of the six managers have been identified as key opinion leaders in their respective areas of speciality practice and have been tasked to seek the best and brightest in the profession to present at the Annual Conference.
KARA BURNS, MS, MED, LVT, VTS (NUTRITION)
VETERINARY TECHNICIAN
CYNTHIA FAUX, DVM, DACVIM (Large Animal), PhD
Avian & Exotics
ROBERT SAGER, DVM, MS, PHD, DABVP
FOOD ANIMAL
LESLIE A. MAMALIS, MBA, MSIT, CVA
PRACTICE MANAGEMENT
Caitlin O'Shea, DVM, DACVS-LA, CVA
EQUINE
STUART GALBRAITH, RVT
MODERATOR FACILITATOR
VITICUS GROUP - Living Our Values
INTEGRITY. COMMUNITY. ACHEIVEMENT. RESPECT. EXCELLENCE.
CORE VALUES
- INTEGRITY - Upholding honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all aspects of our work. We commit to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our relationships with clients, partners, and the community.
- COMMUNITY- Fostering a sense of unity, collaboration, and social responsibility. We strive to build a supportive and inclusive
community that values diversity and actively contributes to the
well-being of both local and global communities. - ACHIEVEMENT - Pursuing excellence and continuous improvement in everything we do. We encourage a culture of innovation, learning, and setting along with exceeding at ambitious goals, both for ourselves and for the professionals we serve.
- RESPECT - Treating all individuals with dignity, empathy, and understanding. We value diversity of thought and background, promoting an environment where everyone feels respected and appreciated for their unique contributions.
- EXCELLENCE - Committing to the highest standards of quality and performance. We aim for excellence in the development and
delivery of our educational programs, as well as in our interactions with clients, partners, and each other. Continuous improvement is at the core of our pursuit of excellence.
Andrea Davis
Chief Executive Officer
Aubrey Arreola, CMP
Chief Operating Officer
Stephanie Gerling
Chief Financial Officer
Anthony Pease, DVM, MS, DACVR
Chief Veterinary Medical Officer
OPEN POSITIONS
Are you interested in joining the team? Click here to learn more about our culture and open positions today!