- VetEvolve has appointed Dr. Laura Pletz as its first chief veterinary officer.
- The newly created position will focus on strengthening clinical quality, mentorship and professional development across the company’s network of 53 veterinary practices.
- Pletz joins VetEvolve after serving as divisional vice president of medicine at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital.
- The appointment reflects VetEvolve’s continued investment in clinical leadership as its practice community grows.
VetEvolve has appointed Dr. Laura Pletz as chief veterinary officer, a newly created executive role designed to support clinical excellence and veterinary professional development across the organization’s growing network of partner practices.
Pletz brings more than 20 years of veterinary leadership experience spanning independent practice, specialty and emergency medicine, and multi-site hospital operations. Most recently, she served as divisional vice president of medicine at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital.
New leadership role
According to VetEvolve, the chief veterinary officer position was established in response to feedback from practice teams seeking additional clinical leadership, mentorship and career development resources. The company said the role is intended to strengthen medical quality while preserving the independence and culture of its partner hospitals.
“Laura is a thoughtful, respected veterinary leader whose experience and values align perfectly with who we are as an organization,” CEO Catherine Howell said in the announcement. “She understands that great medicine starts with supporting the people delivering it.”
Experience in clinical leadership
Pletz earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and began her career in independent practice, where she later became a practice owner.
She previously served as president of the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative and has been recognized as a Pet Age Women of Influence honoree and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in St. Louis.
“What drew me to VetEvolve is the genuine commitment to supporting veterinarians while preserving what makes each practice special,” Pletz said. “I’m looking forward to working alongside VetEvolve’s medical teams and practice partners to help ensure that as we grow, we grow in ways that make it easier for them to practice medicine and deliver great care.”
Pletz joins CEO Catherine Howell, COO Mayange Kane, CFO Mike Polgardy and Chief Development Officer Clayton Stanley on VetEvolve’s executive leadership team.
Information sourced from the company’s website.
