MVEd, BVSc, AAS, CVT, RVT, VTES, FVTE
President
Jennifer, a credentialed veterinary technician since 1992, specializes in large animal nursing. She has taught since 2007 and holds a Master in Veterinary Education. Jennifer directs the Appalachian State University Veterinary Technology program, writes textbooks, and serves on the AVTE board and as president-elect of the Arizona Veterinary Technician Association.
MPH, LVT
President-Elect
Anna is a University of Georgia graduate with extensive experience in veterinary medicine, academia, and research. She has worked at UGA’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital and taught veterinary technology. Currently at UGA’s Office of Research, where she manages all animal health technicians on campus, she earned her MPH in Disaster Management in 2024 and enjoys life on her Athens, GA, farm with her family and animals.
LVT
Immediate Past President
Jamie is the Medical Manager of a large GP/ER Practice and current President of the GA VTAA. Her interests include ECC, Pain Management, Anesthesia and Client Communication. In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
LVT, FVTE
Treasurer
Mandy Zachgo brings over 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine, spanning zoos, specialty practice, general practice, and academia. She holds a Master’s in Veterinary Education and a Bachelor’s in Veterinary Technology and is recognized as a Fellow of Veterinary Technician Education (FVTE).
Her career includes serving as a Veterinary Technician Supervisor and Instructor at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, as well as adjunct faculty for Blinn College’s Veterinary Technology Program. In her current role as Regional Technician Director with VCA, Mandy supports hospital teams across multiple regions, focusing on engagement, career development, and sustainable practice culture.
Mandy is passionate about advancing the veterinary technician profession through mentorship, leadership, and advocacy. She currently serves on NAVTA’s Government Relations and Continuing Education Committees, as LVT Director for the Texas Veterinary Medical Association, on the Executive Committee for the Association of Veterinary Technician Educators (AVTE), and as a Mentor with MentorVet Tech.
CVT
Director
Dewey Maddox, CVT, is a Certified Veterinary Technician with over 15 years of experience in the veterinary profession and more than a decade working in the zoological field. His professional focus includes laboratory operations, diagnostic quality assurance, and advancing evidence-based veterinary practices across diverse species, including large mammals.
Dewey currently serves as President of the Florida Veterinary Technician Association, where he advocates for professional standards, credentialing, and continuing education within the veterinary technician profession. His leadership centers on strengthening the profession through education, collaboration, and legislative engagement.
Outside of his professional work, Dewey enjoys travel, great food, spending time with his family, and is always up for a good project or an even better laugh.
RVT, CVT, LVT
Director
Dru is a resident of Washington state’s Kitsap Peninsula, having lived previously in Utah, Hawaii, and California. He adopted his first pet at the ripe old age of 28, and shortly thereafter decided to return to school and start a new life as a veterinary technician.
Since becoming credentialed as a veterinary technician in 2012, he has enjoyed working in varied aspects across the veterinary field; including anesthesia, emergency / critical care, and exotics. Of these experiences, his favorite memories are from his time spent working with the rehabilitation of marine wildlife. In 2020, Dru was honored by NAVTA as the National Veterinary Technician of the Year for his contributions to the Utah Society of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants, and their efforts to introduce legislation that created credentialing for Utah veterinary technicians.
RVT, CVPM, SPHR
Director
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. 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 who focuses on developing leadership and culture in practices while employing appropriate team-building strategies to increase efficiency and enhancing the ‘flow of services.’
When not lecturing, writing, or consulting, she instructs Practice Management courses with the Appalachian State University Veterinary Technology Program and volunteers for industry organizations such as NAVTA, VHMA, and VetPartners. She is the currently the Past President of the Viticus Group (formally known as WVC).
CAE
Executive Director
Phil has spent his entire career working at not-for-profit associations. He has three cats, including his best pal Vinnie, who likes to perch on Phil’s shoulder to get a better view of the world.
