OVMA Awards of Excellence

At ceremonies held during the 2026 Oregon Veterinary Conference, the OVMA honored three individuals for their contributions to the veterinary profession and animals. The Awards of Excellence are given annually to deserving people and organizations.

2026 Veterinary Service Award

Charles Hurty DVM 

Grove Veterinary Clinic

This award recognizes an individual, group or organization that has promoted the veterinary profession and/or the well-being of animals, with emphasis on educating the public, research, or the practice of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Hurty graduated from the North Carolina State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002 and completed a 1-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the University of Georgia’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2003. In veterinary medical practice, Dr. Hurty has a special interest in internal medicine, dermatology, ophthalmology, preventive care, and senior pet wellness. He is the Medical Director at Grove Veterinary Clinic and a Past President of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association.

Dr. Hurty seeks to continuously examine and understand the challenges of the veterinary caregiving space to achieve improved sustainability of all the professionals that make up our veterinary profession. 

In September 2020, the height of the COVID-19 pandemic took a heavy toll on the Grove Veterinary Clinic team in Newport, Oregon.

As medical director, and co-owner of the companion animal practice with his wife, Dr. Natasha Knight, Dr. Hurty wasn’t sure how much longer he could endure the tension and stress of working in this new and unrecognizable environment. And although he was concerned about his own well-being, he was more worried about the health and welfare of the practice’s other 20-plus team members.

“Our profession’s failure to establish health boundaries and wellness practices put the profession in a tailspin,” he shared with AAHA’s Trends magazine. “Huge, gaping wounds resulted, and a void was just waiting to be filled with chaos, drama, and anxiety.”

Dr. Hurty instead reached out to a local health behaviorist, Helen Beaman, who, with Charles’ insights into clinical practice, developed a series of mental wellness modules that helped Grove Veterinary Clinic navigate the usual stressors of veterinary practice that had been emboldened by the pandemic.

“Grit + Love” would become the name for the series of wellness programs led by Beaman. And it would be introduced to veterinarians and team members outside of the practice as a scheduled track at the Oregon Veterinary Conference in 2024. Dr. Hurty also shared his passion about what he had learned, and continued to absorb, with individual veterinarians and other veterinary practices in Oregon. He also was an attentive listener to anyone who contacted him with their concerns about their own well-being.

Earlier this year, at the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando, Florida, Charles continued with his focus on wellness and well-being in the profession with a talk entitled “The Ethical Blind Spot When We Forget to Care for the Caregivers.”

Dr. Hurty’s wellness journey more recently involved his participation in a public health executive leadership program through Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The One Health focus brought leaders in medicine and science from around the globe to address approaches and solutions for enhancing worldwide health. Charles was the only veterinarian to participate and lent his unique perspective as a practitioner to the One Health discussion.

As a leader with the OVMA’s Board of Directors, Dr. Hurty has passionately advocated for the adoption of a series of policy statements that demonstrate our commitment towards integrating sustainability and social responsibility into our mission and goals.

Such statements are becoming widely adopted by major animal health companies and are an emerging focus for veterinary associations, now including your OVMA. These initiatives highlight several key areas, among others:

• Animal Welfare
• One Health
• Workforce Well-Being

Following important feedback from the membership, the OVMA is getting closer to finalizing the policy statements and look forward to introducing them to our members in the coming months.

2026 President's Award

The President's Award is given at the discretion of the outgoing president to an individual or group who has made an exceptional contribution to veterinary medicine. Outgoing OVMA president Dr. Lynn Healy presented this award to: 

Stephen Hines DVM PhD

Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Hines is an Emeritus Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology at Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Hines was a Berger Keatts Distinguished Professor, an award given to an outstanding faculty member in the College of Veterinary Medicine to recognize excellence in teaching. In 2020, Dr. Hines was named the recipient of the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges’ Distinguished Veterinary Teacher Award. This is considered to be one of the most prestigious teaching awards in international academic veterinary medicine, and is presented to an educator whose sustained record of teaching excellence and ability, dedication, character, and leadership has contributed significantly to the advancement of the profession. What is even more impressive is that Dr. Hines also received this award in 1996. 

His devotion to teaching extended beyond the traditional classroom setting. In 1991, he founded the Diagnostic Challenges Program. The Diagnostic Challenges are two-week long, multi-disciplinary, case-based exercises during which groups of approximately 5 students each work through a “real world” clinical case. 

Dr. Healy recalls: "I met Dr. Hines 25 years ago during my second year of veterinary school at Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. At that time, as some of you may remember, OSU students received their small animal training at Washington State University. Dr. Hines was my Systemic Pathology professor and from Day 1, his talents as an educator were evident. He was engaging, humorous and fun. He poured his time, knowledge, and energy into making sure we truly understood what we were being taught. He was caring, supportive and encouraging, yet he also challenged us, pushing each of us to reach our full potential."

2026 Practice Manager Award

Leanne Schuetze CVPM

Rogers Veterinary Service

This award recognizes the role of the practice/office manager in clinical practice and salutes an individual who has exhibited exceptional professionalism in leading the practice.

Professional. Thoughtful. Dedicated. These are attributes all of us would want in our veterinary teams. And they are the qualities Leanne Schuetze brings to Rogers Veterinary Service, a mixed animal mobile business in Philomath.

Next to the founders, Drs. Annika and Keelan Rogers, Leanne is the practice’s longest tenured employee. She was familiar with animal husbandry and veterinary medicine when she joined the practice in 2013. Her father was an equine practitioner in another state, and Leanne was eager to work with him and his patients. Active in 4-H while growing up, she cared for and raised market lambs. After moving to Oregon, she helped her family raise puppies for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

As a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager, a credential she earned in 2024, Leanne oversees a team of five veterinarians—a mix of full- and part-time clinicians—as well as six office staff and field assistants.

Her leadership responsibilities with this bustling practice includes onboarding and training new employees, managing the practice’s integrated software system, and assisting with scheduling and invoicing.

Leanne is also the point person in the practice to engage with vendors and sales reps and plays an important role with social media posts and interactions.

In other words, with little fanfare, Leanne rolls up her sleeves and brings her depth of knowledge and experience to help successfully guide the ever-changing and ever-growing operations of this busy mixed-animal practice.

“Leanne has directly assisted us in developing our practice culture that is centered on loving our staff and clients,” Annika and Keelan say. “Her character, motivation desire for growth, and love for people exemplifies the person and culture we attempt to emulate at Rogers Veterinary Service.”

Photo Album

• View our Facebook photo album of past award recipients.

Past Award Winners

Centennial Award

1963    Dr. Vic Oliver

Honorary Membership

1952    S.L. Brown, Charles Evans, T. Sims
1954    E.L. Peterson
1972    Walter Leth, James Short
1989    Morrie Craig
1993    Nan Dewey
2000    Kelvin Koong

Award of Merit

1961    Dr. Herb Muth
1966    Dr. E. Derflinger, Dr. Ralph Plamondon
1970    Dr. Gary Bryan
1973    Dr. Dallen Jones
1976    Dr. Ed Wedman
1983    Dr. Linda Blythe, Dr. Daryl Leu
1985    Dr. Elwyn Coon, Dr. Norm Hutton, Dr. Charles Seagraves
1989    Dr. Jack Hardesty, Dr. Fay Rankin, Dr. Ron Schmidtke
1991    Dr. Gordon Cunningham, Dr. Richard Hillmer, Dr. DuWayne Penfold
1995    Dr. Andrew Mach, Dr. Ed Wedman, Dr. Robert Whittaker

Meritorious Service

Presented to a veterinarian who has generously contributed time and energy for the advancement of the profession and community.

1996    Dr. Richard Werner
1997    Dr. Billy Kuhl
1998    Dr. Dick Reid
1999    Dr. Roy Peterson
2000    Dr. Richard Coon
2001    Dr. Don Bailey
2002    Dr. Stan Blinkhorn
2003    Dr. Leo van Dijk
2004    Dr. DuWayne Penfold
2005    Dr. Marty DeWees
2006    Dr. Jerry Boggs
2009    Dr. Scott Hendy
2010    Dr. Susan Loomis
2011    Dr. Steve Brown
2013    Dr. Robert Franklin
2014    Dr. Bill Young
2019    Dr. Leon Pielstick
2024    Dr. Tom Keck
2025    Dr. Doug McInnis

President's Award

Given at the discretion of the president to an individual who has made an exceptional contribution to the OVMA.

1996    Dr. Martha DeWees, Dr. Scott Hendy
1997    Dr. Jerry Boggs
1998    Dr. Merry Crimi
1999    Mr. Glenn Kolb
2000    Dr. Doug McInnis
2001    Mr. Dave Barrows
2002    Dr. Kurt Schrader
2003    Dr. Steven Brown
2004    Ms. Marcia Keith
2005    Dr. Gordon Cunningham
2006    Spouses and Partners of Veterinarians
2007    Dr. Rich Holdren
2008    Ms. Marge Strother, Lilly Companion Pet
2009    Dr. Matthew Fricke
2010    Ms. Lara Smith
2011    Dr. Cyril Clarke, OSU CVM Dean
2012    Dr. Donald McCoy & Dr. Larry Anderson
2013    Salem Friends of Felines
2014    Dr. Tom Keck
2015    Dr. Keith Sides
2016    Dr. Brad LeaMaster
2017    Judy Tate CVT
2018    Dr. Emilio DeBess
2019    Dr. Sue Tornquist
2020    OSU CCVM Students
2021    Jenny Wood | Raina Dey (OVMA staff)
2022    Dr. Connie White
2023    Dr. Kate Schoenhals
2024    Dr. Michael Huber & Clinical Practice Veterinarians
2025    Dr. Heidi Houchen & Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
2026    Dr. Stephen Hines

Veterinarian of the Year

Awarded to a veterinarian who has made outstanding contributions to the profession through service to local, state and/or national organizations.

1969    Dr. E.R. Derflinger
1996    Dr. DuWayne Penfold
1997    Dr. Doug Corey
1998    Dr. Don McCoy
1999    Dr. Andrew Clark
2000    Dr. Marty DeWees
2001    Dr. Scott Hendy
2002    Dr. Brad Frank
2003    Dr. Heidi Buehner-McKenzie
2004    Dr. Leon Pielstick
2006    Dr. Paul Jones
2007    Dr. Jon Betts
2011    Dr. Gregg Takashima
2020    Dr. Sarah Bonner

Animal Welfare Award

Recognizes a veterinarian who has demonstrated outstanding compassion and/or developed programs that have been for the welfare of animals.

1998    Dr. Doug Evans
1999    Dr. Laird Goodman
2000    Dr. Bob Franklin
2002    Dr. Brad Pope
2004    Dr. Ken Fletcher
2009    Dr. Doug McInnis
2010    Dr. Doug Evans
2011    Dr. Scott Hansen
2012    Dr. Barbara Kahl
2015    Dr. Deborah LaPaugh
2018    Dr. Tom Holechek
2019    Dr. Brian Reister
2020    Dr. Kirk Miller

Veterinary Service Award

Recognizes an individual, group or organization that has promoted the veterinary profession and/or the well being of animals. Emphasis for this award is placed on educating the public, research, or the practice of veterinary medicine.

1998    Kim Singer, KPTV-12
1999    Feral Cat Coalition
2000    Deborah Wood, The Oregonian
2001    Dr. Barclay Slocum
2002    The Halo Group
2003    Evan Kalik, Cat Adoption Team
2005    Dr. Howard Wagner
2006    Oregon Humane Society
2008    Dr. Matthew Maberry
2009    Dr. Jerry Boggs
2010    Larry Chusid, The Pongo Fund
2011    Dr. Bill McCulloch, Delta Society co-founder
2012    Susan Faria, Senior Dog Rescue of Oregon
2013    Britta Bavaresco, ASAP
2014    Monique Balas, The Oregonian
2015    Fences for Fido
2016    Dr. Debbie Cochell
2017    Dr. Ben Braat
2018    Sound Equine Options
2019    The PAW Team
2020    Dr. Gregg Takashima
2022    Dr. Steve Kochis
2024    Helen Beaman LCSW
2025    Rogue Valley Street Dogs
2026    Dr. Charles Hurty

Practice/Office Manager

Recognizes the role of the practice/office manager in clinical practice and salutes an individual who has exhibited exceptional professionalism in leading the practice.

2006    Linda Parisotto
2007    Lee Barg
2008    Debee Brown
2011    Jessie Merritt CVPM
2012    Diane Fowler CVT
2014    Gina Schluckebier
2015    Brandy Kagerer
2016    Brenda Bailey
2017    Dena Coyner
2018    Beth James (Fandrey)
2020    Traci Medeiros CVT
2025    Trina Neuwirth
2026    Leanne Schuetze CVPM

Technician/Staff

Recognizes a veterinary technicians and/or veterinary staff in clinical practice who has risen above and beyond the expected responsibilities of the practice to provide outstanding client and patient service, with community service also considered.

2006    Leah Kennon CVT
2007    Gillian Cook CVT
2008    Kathy Charpilloz
2010    Kimberly McKay 
2011    Carey Blake CVT
2012    Juan Lopez AHT
2013    Dolores Galindo CVT
2020    Lisa Caton CVT

Outstanding Industry Representative

Recognizes an individual who has exhibited outstanding service to the OVMA and the profession.

1996    Terrie Corcoran, Burns Veterinary Supply
1997    Leroy Ostrem, The Butler Company
1998    Rick Casey, Hoechst Roussel Vet
1999    Jim Houts, Summit Medical Equipment
2000    Linda Melton, IDEXX Veterinary Services
2001    Loren Heryford, The Butler Company
2003    Marge Strother, Merial
2004    Bruce Mackey, Hill's Pet Nutrition
2005    John Herkner, Pfizer Animal Health
2011    Vern Mason, Butler Schein Animal Health
2013    Jay Donkers, Pfizer Animal Health (now Zoetis)
2022    Keri Weppler, Zoetis
2023    Dr. Bobby Cowles, Zoetis
2025    Alex Hacker, Zoetis