The 2025 VetEvolve Summit brought leaders together from across the organization for meaningful connection, reflection, and growth.
This year marked the first time Medical Directors and Practice Managers gathered for a joint three-day event. Centered on the theme “Evolve,” the Summit encouraged fresh thinking around leadership, teamwork, and driving positive change within practices.
The agenda was packed with opportunities for growth in operations and mindset. A powerful highlight was keynote speaker Alex Sheen, founder of the Because I Said I Would movement, who spoke about the importance of keeping promises and shifting internal narratives.
Interim CEO/COO Catherine Howell shared one of her own takeaways from the session: “I learned the value of saying ‘I get to’ instead of ‘I have to.’ That small shift in mindset can change how we lead, how we serve, and how we show up every day.”
This year’s Summit was the largest in VetEvolve history, with over 100 attendees. It successfully combined clinical leaders and practice administrators for a three-day event filled with presentations, networking, and special moments like honoring Dr. Jerry Goldfarb with the VIP award. The energy and collaboration demonstrated at the Summit set a strong foundation for achieving VetEvolve’s goals throughout 2025 and beyond.
Attendees shared their appreciation for both the professional development and the personal connections the Summit fostered. “There were so many thoughtful personal touches from leadership that made it clear this is truly a people-focused organization,” said Ashley Richards, Practice Manager at Hollymead Veterinary Hospital. “I loved the opportunity to connect with other Practice Managers and Medical Directors, and I appreciated that Claire (Chief People Officer) actively sought feedback and was genuinely open to hearing our perspectives.”
At its core, the Leadership Summit is about bringing people together to grow stronger individually, professionally, and as a community. Whether through big ideas or small mindset shifts, the conversations from these three days will continue to impact VetEvolve’s network of practices.