CVM to welcome Donlin as commencement speaker
Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine will welcome American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer Janet Donlin as its Spring 2026 commencement speaker.
Donlin will address the CVM’s 131-member graduating class during its commencement ceremony on Monday, May 4, at 6 p.m. in Neville Arena.
Since 2016, Donlin has led the AVMA as the first woman to hold the association’s highest staff leadership role since its establishment in 1922. She works closely with veterinary leaders nationwide to advance the profession and support veterinarians as they navigate a rapidly changing professional landscape.
Her career spans more than three decades, including leadership roles in veterinary medicine, professional advocacy and industry. Donlin started her AVMA tenure in 1991 and held a variety of senior leadership roles over the next 17 years. From 2000-2001, she served as interim CEO for the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues as it made the transition into an independent nonprofit organization.
From 2007-2013, Donlin served as chief veterinary officer for the Global Veterinary Business Channel of Hill’s Pet Nutrition before returning to AVMA in 2013 as CEO of the AVMA Professional Liability Insurance Trust. Donlin is a licensed veterinarian in Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota and was the first veterinarian to earn the Certified Association Executive credential.