BREAKING: VetEvolve Appoints Dr. Laura Pletz as Chief Veterinary Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Veteran veterinary leader joins growing community of 53 partner practices to strengthen clinical excellence across the organization

ESSEX, Md., July 13, 2026 — VetEvolve, a community of veterinary practices focused on strengthening care through intentional growth, today announced the appointment of Dr. Laura Pletz as Chief Veterinary Officer.

Dr. Pletz joins the executive team with more than 20 years of experience leading veterinarians and hospital teams across independent practice, specialty and emergency medicine, as well as multi-site medical operations. As CVO, she will work alongside practice leaders to strengthen clinical quality, advance professional development, and help ensure veterinarians across our community have the support they need to deliver exceptional patient care.

The newly created Chief Veterinary Officer role reflects VetEvolve’s commitment to investing in the people who deliver care every day. Feedback from practice teams highlighted the value of additional clinical leadership, mentorship, and professional development opportunities as veterinarians continue to grow in their careers. Dr. Pletz’s appointment reinforces VetEvolve’s dedication to supporting clinical excellence while preserving the independence and culture that make each practice unique.

“Laura is a thoughtful, respected veterinary leader whose experience and values align perfectly with who we are as an organization,” said Catherine Howell, CEO of VetEvolve. “She understands that great medicine starts with supporting the people delivering it. Her leadership will strengthen clinical excellence by fostering collaboration, advancing best practices, and ensuring our teams have the resources they need to take care of clients and pets at the highest level.”

Dr. Pletz earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine and began her career in independent practice, where she ultimately became a practice owner. Most recently, she served as Divisional Vice President of Medicine at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital. She is a past President of the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative and has been recognized as a Pet Age Women of Influence honoree and one of the Top 50 Women Leaders in St. Louis.

“What drew me to VetEvolve is the genuine commitment to supporting veterinarians while preserving what makes each practice special,” said Dr. Pletz. “I’m looking forward to working alongside VetEvolve’s medical teams and practice partners to help ensure that as we grow, we grow in ways that make it easier for them to practice medicine and deliver great care.”

Dr. Pletz joins CEO Catherine Howell, COO Mayange (May) Kane, CFO Mike Polgardy, and CDO Clayton Stanley on VetEvolve’s executive team.

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Media Contact: VetEvolve Marketing | vemarketing@vetevolve.com

About VetEvolve

VetEvolve is a community of veterinary practices focused on supporting owners, teams, and communities through partnership-driven growth. Since its founding in 2014, the company has grown to 53 practices across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, helping practices strengthen care, improve client experience, and build long-term value. Backed by Varsity Healthcare Partners. vetevolve.com