AAVMC Names New Director for Marketing and Communications

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Susan Leigh or Jeanne Johnson
Phone: 202/371-9195, x144
Email: sleigh@aavmc.org or jjohnson@aavmc.org

Susan Leigh

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 12, 2022 — The American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) has named Susan Leigh as the association’s new director for marketing and communications.

Leigh’s experience includes leading the execution and direction of strategic marketing and communications initiatives for both the government and non-profit sector. As a marketing and communications strategist, she helped to launch multiple product, promotion, web and mobile app initiatives across web, digital and social media platforms.

“Susan’s background shows that she has strong leadership, project management and strategic skills,” said AAVMC CEO Dr. Andrew T. Maccabe. “She brings a comprehensive marketing perspective, in addition to her communications skills, and we’re excited to bring her on board.”

Most recently, Leigh founded and led her own marketing and communications firm, Bon Viv Consulting. As principal consultant with Bon Viv, she provided marketing, communications and business advisory consulting for small business and non-profit organizations.

Prior to trying her hand at entrepreneurship, she served as the chief of marketing and advertising for the Office of Lottery and Gaming, District of Columbia Government. Leigh was also the director of public relations at the National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA). At NDTA, she established the organization’s marketing and communications strategy, developed a web presence, and published the monthly Defense Transportation Journal.

“There’s a great team at the AAVMC,” said Leigh. “I’ve been able to hit the ground running and I’m looking forward to telling the story of academic veterinary medicine in creative and compelling ways.”

Leigh began her career began in customer service for Verizon Wireless and went on to hold project management roles with Electronic Data Systems (EDS) and work in sales training for US Airways. Additionally, she serves as a board member and advisor for the National Black Movie Association.

She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Florida A&M University, a Master of Arts in strategic communication from Seton Hall University, and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Maryland Global Campus.

Leigh replaces Jeffrey Douglas, who retired after serving as the AAVMC’s communications lead for 10 years.

About the AAVMC:

The member institutions of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) promote and protect the health and wellbeing of people, animals and the environment by advancing the profession of veterinary medicine and preparing new generations of veterinarians to meet the evolving needs of a changing world. Founded in 1966, the AAVMC represents more than 40,000 faculty, staff and students across the global academic veterinary medical community. Our member institutions include Council on Education (COE) accredited veterinary medical colleges and schools in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand as well as departments of veterinary science and departments of comparative medicine in the U.S.

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