Mary Beth Leininger, DVM, director of Professional Affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition Inc. of Topeka, Kan., is retiring after almost 10 years of service. Daniel Aja, DVM, will fill the position in January. Dr. Aja is the owner and hospital director of Cherry Bend Animal Hospital in Traverse City, Mich. He served as the 2005-2006 president of the American Animal Hospital Assn. and currently serves as the AAHA delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Assn. Dr. Leininger will stay on to assist with the transition through the end of March. “I can’t say enough about my experience here at Hill’s,” she said. “This is a company that is truly committed to the veterinary profession. It has been an honor for me to be a part of it and especially to have the opportunity to speak on behalf of the wonderful people who make up the Hill’s organization. Dr. Aja is a truly gifted and dedicated professional and I am thrilled that he is joining Hill’s. The best is yet to come.” In related news, Leininger was recently named a Distinguished Practitioner in Veterinary Medicine in the National Academies of Practice and also received an honorary Doctor of Science from Purdue University. Leininger, who co-owned a veterinary hospital with her husband for more than 30 years in Plymouth, Mich., served as AVMA president from 1996 to 1997, the first woman elected to that office. <HOME>
