AASV names Harry Snelson, DVM, as Communications Director

July 27, 2005 — Tracy Ann Raef

The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has named Dr. Harry Snelson as director of communications. In this newly created position, Snelson will manage the association's committees, liaison activities, and the AASV e-Letter, a weekly electronic newsletter for swine veterinarians.

Snelson joins the AASV from the National Pork Producers Council where he served as the director of science and technology since 2004.

"The AASV created the position to elevate our commitment to enhancing the value of AASV membership through our key areas of communications, advocacy, and member involvement through committees," said Tom Burkgren, DVM, MBA, executive director of the AASV. "Dr. Snelson's knowledge and experience will enable him to have an immediate impact on our association."

Prior to joining NPPC, Snelson was a swine technical services manager at Schering-Plough Animal Health. From 1991 to 2000, he was the swine veterinarian at Carroll's Foods, Inc., the second largest swine producer in the United States, marketing over three million pigs annually.

Snelson has had an active role in organized veterinary medicine during his career. He served as an AASV board member from 2000 to 2005, and chaired the Foreign Animal Disease Committee from 2002 to 2004. Snelson has served on three program planning committees, and has been a member of the welfare and communications committees. Previously, he was the foreign animal disease section editor for the association's e-Letter.

His professional activities outside the AASV include serving as vice chair of the National Institute of Animal Agriculture's Production Animal Food Safety Committee and chair of the Technical Advisory Committee to the North Carolina Pseudorabies Industry Advisory Task Force. He also serves on committees of the US Animal Health Association.

"I'm excited to join the AASV in this new position," Snelson said. "I strongly believe that a key function of the association is keeping our members informed about news that affects our profession and the clients we serve. I hope to facilitate communications within the AASV, as well as outside the AASV to ensure a voice for our membership on issues that impact their livelihood and ability to practice veterinary medicine."

Snelson earned his bachelor's degree in wildlife management (1982) and a doctor of veterinary medicine degree (1990) from North Carolina State University.

Snelson begins his duties on August 8, 2005. He will continue to reside and work from his office in Burgaw, N.C.