Manasquan, NJ (December 15, 2008) — Winn Feline Foundation President Susan Little, DVM, Diplomate ABVP (Feline), announces the election of Melissa A. Kennedy, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVM, and Vicki L. Thayer, DVM, Diplomate ABVP Feline, to the Winn Board of Directors.
Dr. Melissa Kennedy graduated from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 1983, and was a veterinary associate in private practice from 1983 until 1987. She studied comparative and experimental medicine at the University of Tennessee and was awarded a PhD from that institution in 1991. Dr. Kennedy subsequently completed a residency in microbiology at the University of Tennessee in 1993. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Microbiologists and is currently an Associate Professor and Director of Clinical Virology at the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Kennedy is the recipient of many honors including the Chancellor’s Excellence in Teaching Award, University of Tennessee, 2007, and the UTCVM Distinguished Coughlin Professor, February 2007.
Dr. Vicki L. Thayer graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, in 1976, and has a 30-year background in feline medicine, surgery, and dentistry. She is board-certified in feline medicine by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. Dr. Thayer is licensed in California, Oregon, and Washington. She has considerable leadership experience in organized veterinary medicine (American Veterinary Medicine Association; American Association of Feline Practitioners; Oregon Veterinary Medicine Association), as well as in community activities. She has published articles on feline retroviruses, with particular emphasis on clinical management.
The Winn Feline Foundation, the only international charity devoted solely to the advancement of feline health, welcomes Dr. Melissa Kennedy and Dr. Vicki Thayer to its Board of Directors. These professionals bring considerable expertise to Winn’s efforts to improve, prolong, and enhance the lives of cats everywhere.