Say it isn’t so! Beloved, respected and universally admired veterinary leader, Guy Pidgeon, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), is leaving his latest post as chief executive officer of the Western Veterinary Conference. Pidgeon was named chief executive officer emeritus and officially retires in June 2013 as David Little transitions into his new role as chief executive officer.
While I am thrilled for David as he embarks on this new role, I look forward to seeing what is next for Guy. So spectacular in everything he touches, yet so modest you can hear a pin drop when he gives his opinion (not like this New Yorker, for sure), I can’t miss an opportunity to applaud how much Guy has done for every aspect of the profession.
My first encounter with Guy came as Hill’s Pet Nutrition launched Prescription Diet canine t/d, a dental diet for dogs. Guy was my “go to” when we created and helped launch “Pets Need Dental Care, Too!” on behalf of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Veterinary Dental Society. Patient, considerate and always willing to help guide us through the nuances of organized veterinary medicine, Guy and his stellar research counterpart, Dan Richardson, DVM, DACVS, are two of the first veterinarians I met and how I came to embrace working with the veterinary profession. How lucky could I get!
Prior to accepting the position on the WVC’s executive Staff, Guy was CEO of the Animal Medical Center in New York City and was elected President of the Center’s Board of Trustees. During this period he also served on the AVMA Executive Board. He joined Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Inc. as Associate Director of Veterinary Affairs and was later promoted to Director of that department. His career has also included a 12-year term on the faculty at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine.
He has also served as chair of the Board of Regents of the American Veterinary College of Internal Medicine. Recipient of multiple awards for teaching and previously recognized as Veterinarian of the Year by the New York City Veterinary Medical Society, Guy also received the inaugural Spirit of Excellence Award from Veterinary Specialists in Private Practice (VSIPP).
In addition to these big announced awards, Guy has received many silent accolades from admirers throughout the veterinary profession.
Guy, on behalf of all those silent and now singing admirers, we so look forward to your next hurrah. Whatever it is, it will be spectacular in your own way. Well done.