Executive Summary
The NAVTA Board of Directors convened January 7–8, 2026 for a leadership retreat, followed by a regularly scheduled Board meeting, to align on priorities and guide the organization’s work in the year ahead. These sessions provided dedicated time for the Board to reflect on member feedback and strengthen NAVTA’s focus on supporting credentialed veterinary technicians nationwide.
What Guided the Board’s Discussion
The Board’s conversations were informed by:
- NAVTA’s mission to advocate for the profession, elevate professional recognition, and support career development.
- Feedback from recent member surveys.
- Current challenges and opportunities affecting the veterinary technician workforce, including professional growth, utilization, and long-term sustainability.
This approach reflects the Board’s commitment to thoughtful, informed decision-making rooted in member input.
Key Themes and Outcomes
Through the retreat and subsequent Board meeting, the Board aligned around several core priorities:
- Professional growth and wellbeing. Supporting continuing education, leadership development and long-term career sustainability.
- Member-centered focus. Grounding NAVTA’s priorities in member needs and perspectives.
- Professional visibility and utilization. Strengthening understanding of the credentialed veterinary technician role and supporting appropriate utilization within veterinary teams.
- Protecting progress. Building on recent momentum while planning responsibly for the future.
- Board alignment and focus. Clarifying priorities so that volunteer governance supported by staff can move forward with purpose and clarity.
Key Areas of Agreement and Action
The Board reaffirmed its responsibility to set strategic direction while working in close coordination with staff to advance NAVTA’s mission. Top priority areas that emerged include the following:
Strengthening Board–Member Connections
- Expanding the use of Board Committee Liaison relationships
- Introducing virtual Board member office hours
- Increasing Board member presence at conferences and events
- Exploring new engagement opportunities
Developing Emerging Leaders
- Creating an Emerging Young Leaders Program to support pathways for growth, engagement and leadership within NAVTA
Strengthening Partnerships
- Publicly recognizing and supporting NAVTA’s valued partners
- Continuing to invest in strategic partnerships that benefit members and the profession
Preparing Future Board and Officer Leaders
- Implementing required orientation and training for all Board applicants on governance roles, responsibilities, and fiduciary duties
What Comes Next
Since the retreat, NAVTA staff and volunteer leaders are now translating the Board’s direction into action by advancing advocacy efforts, strengthening programs and communications, and identifying opportunities aligned with member priorities. As planning continues over the coming months, timelines will be refined, resources identified, and initiatives sequenced thoughtfully. NAVTA will share updates through its official channels as this work progresses.
Appreciation
NAVTA’s impact is made possible through the dedication of volunteer leaders, committee chairs and members, partners and professional staff. The Board extends its appreciation to all who contribute their time, expertise and commitment in service to veterinary technicians and the profession.
NAVTA Member Feedback Welcome
Questions or comments about this update? We invite NAVTA members to share feedback through our online form at navta.net/contactus.