SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (February 4, 2019) — As the Illinois Legislature begins its new term in 2019, several veterinarians from around Illinois are stepping up to take on a leadership role that will help these policymakers make better informed decisions to help protect and care for our pets and animals.
The Illinois State Veterinary Medical Association is the trade association representing more than 2,500 member veterinarians, veterinary and technician students and Certified Veterinary Technicians from around the state to promote and protect veterinary practices. ISVMA leaders and members study hundreds of pieces of legislation in each session to determine their impact on pets and animals, along with attending continuing education events and sharing ideas for improving their practices.
Deborah Lakamp, CAE, ISVMA’s Executive Director, said these new members of the group’s Executive Board and the Board of Directors’ liaisons for its seven regions will play a key role in shaping the association’s direction and influence at the Capitol.
“Our board members help our team in Springfield understand how legislation affects veterinarians, and connect with legislators in their districts to build relationships and credibility on the issues that we support and oppose. These new members deserve credit for stepping up to help our legislators see how their decisions affect the health and well-being of our beloved pets and animals, and we look forward to working with them,” Lakamp said.
The new board members are:
- President Phil Fassler, DVM, River Ridge Animal Hospital in Dixon. Dr. Fassler is a graduate of the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois who enjoys working with pet owners and conducting surgery. He has been on the ISVMA Executive Board since 2010.
- President-Elect Olivia Rudolphi, DVM, Rudolphi Veterinary Services in Noble. Dr. Rudolphi graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine before returning to the practice on her parents’ farm. She specializes in equine sports medicine and therapy and working on all large animals.
- Vice President Colleen Lewis, DVM, Tuition Genetics in Altona. Dr. Lewis is a graduate of Kansas State University. She has served two terms on the ISVMA Board of Directors and specializes in bovine and embryo transfers.
- Treasurer Lynette Hemker, DVM, Greenville Veterinary Clinic in Greenville. Dr. Hemker graduated from the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and began working at the Greenville Clinic. She and a colleague purchased the clinic in 2012, and she enjoys equine dentistry, dermatology and surgery.
- Immediate Past President Bob Ebbesmeyer, DVM, New Hope Veterinary Clinic in German Valley and Rock City near Rockford. Dr. Ebbesmeyer graduated from the University of Missouri and then went to work with New Hope, where he is now a partner. Along with his leadership at ISVMA, Dr. Ebbesmeyer is Secretary/Treasurer of the Northern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association.
- Region 1 Board Member Jessica McKinney, DVM, Effingham Veterinary Clinic in Effingham. Dr. McKinney graduated from the University of Illinois and now works at this progressive mixed animal practice in south-central Illinois.
- Region 2 Board Member Jennifer Schirding, DVM, Petersburg Veterinary Clinic in Petersburg. Dr. Schirding graduated from the University of Illinois. She enjoys the variety of mixed animal practice and serving her rural central Illinois community.
- Region 3 Board Member Kate Brucker, DVM, Albin Animal Hospital in Charleston and Mattoon. Dr. Brucker has degrees from the University of Illinois, and her interests include veterinary dentistry.
- Region 4 Board Member Erika Eigenbrod, DVM, Greenhaven Animal Clinic in San Jose. Dr. Eigenbrod graduated from the University of Illinois before returning to serve as a veterinarian near her hometown. Her veterinary interests include small animal orthopedic, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine and large animal health.
- Region 5 Board Member Heidi Pulito, DVM, Unleashed with Grace in La Salle, Kendall, DeKalb, Kane, Grundy, Will and DuPage counties. Dr. Pulito graduated from the University of Illinois. Her interests include dentistry, fear free practices and geriatric care, and she has completed a three-year term on the ISVMA Board.
- Region 6 Board Member Kelli Kramer, DVM, Perryville Pet Hospital in Rockford. Dr. Kramer graduated from the University of Illinois and co-owns her small animal general practice. She has served on the ISVMA Board and is president of the Northern Illinois Veterinary Medical Association.
- Region 7 Board Member Amanda Hampton, DVM, Banfield Pet Hospital in Evergreen Park. Dr. Hampton is Chief of Staff at Banfield. She enrolled in the Power of 10 program at ISVMA to build communication and leadership skills, and to learn more about the importance of veterinary voices in legislative decision-making.
- Region 7 Board Member Marina Lynn Jaworsky, DVM, Elmhurst Animal Care Center in Elmhurst. Dr. Jaworsky graduated from the University of Illinois and now practices small animal and exotic animal medicine and surgery. She completed the Power of 10 program and served on the ISVMA Board, and is passionate about public outreach and education.
