Published 7/8/2024

Kayla Forlenza, a third-year student at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently sworn in as the veterinary economics officer-elect for the National Student American Veterinary Medical Association board. SAVMA is a national organization created in 1969 to support, empower, and inspire veterinary students to improve their life, education, and career, and secure a better future for the veterinary profession through collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Structurally, SAVMA consists of an executive board and a house of delegates composed of senior and junior delegates who are elected or appointed and represent member chapters. The veterinary economics officer is part of the executive board. Executive board members and the house of delegates meet twice a year at the July AVMA Convention and in spring during the SAVMA Symposium.

Forlenza will serve in her role as veterinary economics officer beginning in March at the SAVMA Symposium. Her term will run until March 2026.

Forlenza says she was motivated by her passion for SAVMA and business leadership in veterinary medicine. “This year I joined the Veterinary Business Management Association and realized how important it is to understand the ins and outs of salaries, loans and many other topics that relate to business in our field,” Forlenza says. “I think increasing overall financial wellbeing and awareness is something that the average veterinary student can stand to improve on. I decided to run for a national executive board position because I love the people I’ve met through my involvement in SAVMA, and I want to continue advocating for veterinary students both at Mizzou and across the country.”