Updating ACVS Governance

ACVS is pursuing a governance structure that separates ACVS credentialing functions from membership activities to ensure autonomy in certification-related decisions.

February 27, 2025: Governance Change Information Session

ACVS hosted this information session to inform Diplomates about the proposed governance change.

• Recording

Frequently Asked Questions

ACVS has developed frequently asked questions to help Diplomates, residents, and other stakeholders understand the full scope and process of this endeavor. ACVS understands additional questions will arise and will routinely update these frequently asked questions as more information becomes available.

Recent communication and related materials

September 16, 2025

• Related message. ACVS Director of Certification Eric J. Parente, DVM, DACVS, and ACVS Credentialing Programs Director Kimberly Soehnlein encourage Diplomates to attend the October 2025 virtual information session. The session will focus on the plans to establish an independent Certification Council as part of the proposed governance change.

August 30, 2025

• Related message. ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery, CAE, introduces the concept of the College transitioning from both a constitution and bylaws to a single set of bylaws as part of the proposed governance change.

July 31, 2025

• Related message. ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery, CAE, continues to outline amendments that support the proposed governance change that would separate certification functions from membership activities.

June 28, 2025

• Related message. ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery, CAE, highlights several extraneous details and duplicative content in the Constitution and Bylaws (PDF) as well as suggested amendments for greater clarity and efficiency.

May 31, 2025

• Related message. ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery, CAE, shares additional information about how the College can modernize the Constitution and Bylaws (PDF) to meet current best practices, simplify the language, and ensure ACVS can respond effectively to changing business and market conditions.

April 26, 2025

• Related message. ACVS Membership Director Adam Seery, CAE, updates Diplomates on the February 2025 virtual governance information session. During the session, Chair, ACVS Board of Regents Jan Hawkins and Seery spoke about why ACVS is proposing a new governance structure that will separate certification functions and membership activities. A recording of the session is available to Diplomates.

March 14, 2025

• Related message. ACVS Nominating Committee Chair Ron McLaughlin, DVM, DVSc, explains how the proposed governance change will shift the ACVS Board of Regents’ responsibilities, creating opportunities for Diplomates to bring a wider variety of experiences to the board.

January 21, 2025 

• Related message. ACVS Director of Certification Eric J. Parente, DVM, DACVS, and Credentialing Programs Director Kimberly E. Soehnlein share with residents and credentialed candidates that the College is proposing a governance change to separate ACVS credentialing functions and membership activities. The message addresses why, how, and when the change will occur, emphasizing that the certification process itself will not change based on the governance change. 

 January 16, 2025 

• Related message. ACVS CEO Ann T. Loew shares with Diplomates that the College is proposing a governance change to separate ACVS credentialing functions and membership activities. The message addresses why, how, and when the change will occur.