University of Minnesota
Veterinary Business Management Association
2023-2024 EXECUTIVE BOARD
Meet your 2023-2024 Executive Board! We all work hard to ensure the members of the MNVBMA gain the most out of their membership. Read on to learn more about each of our officers and their roles!
President: Heather Kim
Vice President: Shannon Freyer
Treasurer: Emily Myers
Director of Networking: Abigail Snow
Hello! My name is Abigail Snow and I am the Director of Networking for the MN VBMA Executive Board. Both professionally and personally, I love making connections. In this position, my goal is to continue the VBMA’s trajectory of bringing in quality speakers for presentations with diverse perspectives. I look forward to collaborating with this board and the CVM community to promote professional knowledge of the veterinary field for confident career readiness.
I am currently a first year. Within veterinary medicine, I have interests ranging from small animal GP, ambulatory mixed animal medicine, and practice management. I plan to move to Mid-Coast Maine and work to serve the broad animal population in the community. I grew up in Southern Maine, just south of Portland and went to college in Central New York.
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Outside of school, I enjoy spending time outside, going on trail-walks with my dog, Frank, and staying up to date with world events. I enjoy the radio game show Says You! And instrumental music.
Director of Engagement : Julia Swoish
Hi there! My name is Julia Swoish and I am the Director of Member Engagement for the Minnesota VBMA chapter. Having had a business background prior to switching things up and applying to veterinary school, I knew VBMA would be a great way to help me build on those pre-existing skills to become a well-rounded and professional veterinarian one day. This position seemed fitting for me as it allows me to build connections and help others achieve their goals through VBMA, as well as my own!
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I am a first year planning to track in small animal medicine. I have special interest in emergency medicine, but we will see where these next few years take me! I grew up in Michigan but lived in Chicago for 5 years prior to coming to Minnesota, so I'm making my way through the midwest one state at a time.
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In my free time I love to spend time outdoors, go on walks and snuggle with my dog Eddie, travel, cook, watch documentaries, and spend time with family and friends as often as I can.
Director of Operations: Destiny Smith
Hello everyone! My name is Destiny Smith and I am the Director of Operations for the MN VBMA Executive Board. I am in charge of ensuring that our events go smoothly and that there is an opportunity for everyone to attend. We are only as strong as the members that make up our chapter.
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I am currently a first year veterinary student. I am originally from North Dakota but have spent the last couple years in Hutchinson, MN. My goal is to work in rural MN/ND and own my own mixed animal practice. I thrive in rural communities and want to be there to support those producers. Beef cattle are definitely my favorite!
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Outside of school I love going home to ND to ride my horses, travel, go camping, spend time with family and friends, and just be outside.
Director of Marketing: Maura McManus
Hi all! My name is Maura McManus and I am the current Director of Marketing for the MN VBMA Executive Board. I am in charge of maintaining the VBMA website and social media sites to help keep members up-to-date while also putting out informative content on what MN VBMA is all about. I was excited about this role so that I can create engaging content and learn more about how social media plays a part in our ever-changing veterinary industry.
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I am currently a first year student. I am originally from Naperville, Illinois. I studied Biochemistry and Italian at Loyola University Chicago and lived in Chicago for 5 years before coming to University of Minnesota. I love animals, but I especially love interacting with people and working with other humans to make our animals' lives better.
I am interested in small animal general practice, and I'd like to dabble in emergency medicine as well! Outside of school I love to read, work out, hike, go to concerts, play bass, and spend time with my family and friends.
My name is Shannon Freyer and I am the Vice President for the MN VBMA Executive Board. Through my position I am excited to help members earn their Business Certificates and Honors Portfolio awards. I look forward to expanding my networking and leadership capabilities by sourcing engaging speakers and connecting with our members. I am passionate about setting veterinary students up for success as they navigate through their career paths and providing practical resources they can use to thrive in any area, whether that is as a practice owner, an associate, or an industry veterinarian.
I am currently a second year veterinary student. I am interested in small animal general practice, exotics, and internal medicine. I grew up in New York and am enjoying my time in Minnesota!
Outside of school I enjoy hanging out with my mini-zoo, which consists of a cat, chihuahua mix, and chinchilla. I also love watching sports and reading.
Hey everyone! My name is Heather Kim, and I am the President for the Minnesota VBMA Chapter. Previously, as the Director of Networking I was able to build membership and leverage strong connections with veterinary professionals around the US. I hope to lead by example and continue to step outside of my comfort zone to grow the minds and networks of our future veterinarians.
From the always sunny Rocklin, California I have taken the leap of faith to obtain my DVM in the always snowing Minnesota. I am now a second-year veterinary student with interest in small animal general practice with a sprinkle of shelter medicine and urgent care. I never imagined being a veterinary business owner until I discovered the VBMA and the well-rounded curriculum provided to us as members. It has empowered me to have smart discussions about debt, leading teams, and providing exceptional client care.
Beyond school, I love to play volleyball indoors or grass, go hiking (usually not in the snow), and trying different foodie treats. If you have any good recommendations, please let me know!
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Hi, my name is Emily Myers and I am the current treasurer. I wanted to be in this position because I enjoy learning about the business side of veterinary medicine–especially when it comes to finances.
I am a 2nd year and I am interested in tracking small animal. I love working with dogs, cats, and exotics. I grew up in Apple Valley, Minnesota.
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I like to run and have completed 3 half marathons. I like to read, especially outside in the summer time with my dogs running around in the backyard.
