On Saturday, September 26, Dr. Mike Lent (AVMA District IX Representative) proudly installed CVMA’s new Board of Directors at CE West in Glenwood Springs, CO. These dedicated leaders bring diverse expertise, vision, and passion for advancing veterinary medicine in Colorado. We are grateful for their commitment to guiding CVMA’s mission and look forward to the impact they will make in the year ahead.
The 2026-2027 CVMA Board of Directors:
- President – Dr. Austin Graham
- President-elect – Dr. Kevin Lisenbee
- Secretary/Treasurer – Dr. Megan Rector
- Secretary/Treasurer-elect – Dr. Ron Carsten
- AVMA Delegate – Dr. Peter Hellyer
- AVMA Alternate Delegate – Dr. Jackie Christakos
- Immediate Past President – Dr. Kayla Henderson
- Ex Officio – Diane Matt
Immediate Past President, Dr. Kayla Henderson, shared heartfelt letter to all CVMA members and board members:
“Dear CVMA Members, Staff, Board Members, and Colleagues,
I simply want to say thank you.
Thank you for allowing me the incredible honor of serving as President of the CVMA over this past year.
I think one of the most remarkable things about this position—and about our profession—is that we are all part of a team – even solo ambo practitioners who have their family, clients, producers, colleagues- we are all part of a team somehow!
I truly believe that, as human beings, we are not meant to go through life alone. When we join together through organizations, boards, committees, volunteer and church groups, or even sports teams (if our shoulders and hammies hold up! ), life becomes fuller and more meaningful. I have always found that there is something special about being alongside people with shared goals and shared experiences; people who can celebrate the victories and weather the hardships TOGETHER.
That is exactly what I have experienced through CVMA.
I have watched people come together during times of adversity, navigate disagreements (both small and at the legislative level), celebrate successes, and continue to find ways to help one another grow.
We certainly don’t always agree—and we don’t have to. But I have been continually reminded that we share something bigger than our individual differences: we care deeply about this profession, about the animals we serve, and about the people who have chosen this life alongside us.
Thank you for allowing me to be a small part of that.
Thank you to our members for trusting CVMA to represent and serve you. Thank you to our staff for the countless hours and tremendous dedication you give to this organization. And thank you to my fellow board members for your friendship, your ideas, your much better public speaking skills , your willingness to tackle difficult issues, and your commitment to making veterinary medicine better for all of us!
Most importantly, thank you for reminding me that we are better when we work together. It has truly been an honor!
With sincere gratitude,
Kayla C. Henderson, DVM
Immediate Past President
Colorado Veterinary Medical Association”
To learn more about this term’s Board of Directors, click here.
Looking to get involved with CVMA? Volunteer veterinarians like you help to drive the vision and future of veterinary medicine in Colorado. Contact us to get involved!