I am extremely honored to have been nominated for vice president of the American Association of Swine Veterinarians. I would like to thank the AASV Board of Directors for their confidence in me.
I believe that values, shared purpose, communication, and strategic planning are things that build a strong organization. I have been privileged to represent interests of AASV members on the Board of Directors for the past 6 years.
The AASV mission statement (aasv.org/about) contains six pillars of value and purpose that are the basis for the direction of the organization:
- increase the knowledge of swine veterinarians
- protect and promote the health and well-being of pigs
- advocate science-based approaches to veterinary, industry, and public health issues
- promote the development and availability of resources that enhance the effectiveness of professional activities
- create opportunities that inspire personal and professional growth and interaction
- mentor students, encouraging life-long careers as swine veterinarians
I, along with many of you, have been a part of our mission statement in action. I served the organization as the chair of the Annual Meeting Practice Tips session for the past 4 years and assisted as a member of the Annual Meeting Program Planning Committee during that time. In addition, I was the chair of the AASV Operation Main Street Committee for 4 years. In fact, I first became interested in serving as a board member and officer of AASV through my role as a committee member and chair. So, get yourself involved and do not be afraid to try new things, because you never know where it will lead!
Early in my career, I was told to “be the voice of the pig” meaning to advocate for the health and well-being of the animals. Soon, I found that being an advocate meant so much more. I also became a voice for swine veterinarians and now find myself as a representative of pig farmers and the pork industry as well. I continue to speak to civic and professional groups as a volunteer speaker for the Ohio Pork Council in a manner very similar to the former Operation Main Street program. In addition, I have presented to veterinary and pre-veterinary students from all over the world on a variety of topics in swine medicine over the past 20 years. I am now a member of the AASV Communications Committee, where we facilitate communication internally to members and externally to the broader pork industry and the public.
Like many swine veterinarians, I strive to be a life-long learner. I received my DVM from The Ohio State University, College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005. I completed the Executive Veterinary Program in Swine Health Management at the University of Illinois in 2016 and, with the help of the AASV Foundation’s Alex Hogg Scholarship, I received a Master of Veterinary Science degree with a concentration in Livestock Systems Health from the University of Illinois in 2022. I am currently a senior key account veterinarian in the swine division at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc, where I collaborate with veterinarians and swine producers throughout the United States on matters including vaccines, disease challenges, disease prevention, biosecurity, food safety, and swine production. Prior to joining Boehringer Ingelheim, I was a veterinarian at Smithfield Foods in Rose Hill, North Carolina for nearly ten years.
Outside of my career and the AASV, my husband and I have two teenage daughters. I am involved with my church, recently serving as a member of the Parish Council for 2 years and the treasurer of our Parents of Religious Education organization for 6 years. I have been a member of the Parent Teacher Organization at my daughters’ school for 5 years and have served as the organization’s secretary for 2 years. Furthermore, I coached bitty volleyball and basketball for the youth of our community.
My time on the Board of Directors has shown me that the AASV is a strong organization. I have the knowledge, experience, and desire to lead the AASV into the future. Thank you for considering me for AASV vice president.
Melissa Billing, DVM