Elevating Vet Med

Veterinary medicine thrives when we invest in one another. At The Bridge Club, we elevate the profession by recognizing brilliance today and reinvesting in its future. Through our awards and philanthropic initiatives, we celebrate those driving change and create pathways for the next generation to rise.

Awards

Creating a space for open dialogue and industry-wide participation.

Giving

Smaller, targeted virtual gatherings where individuals can engage on topics that matter most to them.

Leadership Award

One individual can spark a legacy that transforms an entire profession. Each year at VMX, The Bridge Club honors that extraordinary impact through the ICON Award—celebrating the leaders whose vision, courage, and contributions are shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

Stream

Watch and listen to the entire conversation between Paige Allen, RVT and Harold Davis, 2026 ICON

On Spotify
2026 ICON

Harold Davis, BA, RVT, VTS (Emergency Critical Care) (Anesthesia and Analgesia)

Harold Davis, BA, RVT, VTS (ECC, Anesthesia & Analgesia), was honored with the 2026 ICON Award by The Bridge Club at their 2026 ICON Event, held in conjunction with the annual Veterinary Meeting & Expo in Orlando. A veterinary technician at UC Davis for 36 years, Davis ended his career as the manager of the Emergency and Critical Care Service at the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH).

2027 ICON Category: Excellence in Practice Leadership

Each year, The Bridge Club spotlights a different area of impact within veterinary medicine through its ICON Award. For 2027, we honor Excellence in Practice Leadership —celebrating the veterinary professionals who have dedicated their careers to leading successful practices, developing strong teams, and advancing the business of veterinary medicine.

This year's ICON recipient will be a Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) whose leadership has made a lasting impact on the profession. Through operational excellence, team development, mentorship, innovation, and a commitment to continuous learning, they exemplify the vital role practice leaders play in shaping the future of veterinary medicine.

This individual demonstrates excellence in:

  • Elevating the veterinary profession through practice leadership and business excellence
  • Building and developing high-performing teams and future leaders
  • Creating workplace cultures that support engagement, wellbeing, and retention
  • Improving the client and patient experience through operational innovation
  • Serving as a mentor, advocate, and role model for veterinary practice management
  • Contributing to the advancement and recognition of the CVPM profession

Through their work, this leader has strengthened not only their own organization, but veterinary medicine as a whole.

Eligibility:

The nominee must meet the following criteria:

  • The nominee must be employed or work within the veterinary profession.
  • Nominees must hold an active Certified Veterinary Practice Manager (CVPM) designation and have demonstrated a significant impact on veterinary medicine through practice leadership, mentorship, innovation, and service to the profession.
  • Has not previously been honored as an ICON.

Award:

  • Honoree at annual ICON event during VMX
  • Recognition on stage in interview format at VMX
  • ICON Award

Selection:

  • All nominations are made by professionals within veterinary medicine.
  • Once submitted, former ICONs review and provide top three candidates
  • Final candidates shared with sponsors
  • The Bridge Club tally’s final votes

Since 2018, The Bridge Club has honored some of the greatest minds in Veterinary Medicine. This distinct club defines what a true ICON is!

  • 2018 ICON Kristin Peck, CEO Zoetis
  • 2018 ICON Bob Vetere, Former CEO American Pet Products Association
  • 2019 ICON Dr. Michael Cavanaugh, Former CEO AAHA
  • 2019 ICON Julia Stephanus, Founder Avviare
  • 2019 ICON John Payne, Executive Chairman, Chou2 Pharma
  • 2020 ICON Dr. Eleanor Green, Former Dean, Texas A&M
  • 2022 ICON Jon Ayers, Former, CEO IDEXX
  • 2023 ICON Dr. Ruby Perry, Dean Tuskegee University
  • 2024 ICON Kara Burns, MS, MEd, LVT, VTS (Nutrition)
  • 2025 ICON Dr. Katherine Polak, Humane World for Animals
  • 2026 ICON Harold Davis BA, RVT, VTS (Emergency Critical Care) (Anesthesia and Analgesia) 
Giving

An unforgettable celebration with a purpose—The Bridge Club’s Give Back Benefit is more than an event; it’s a movement. Held each year, this powerful gathering unites the veterinary community to support organizations dedicated to advancing veterinary medicine. Together, we raise vital funds to tackle the profession’s greatest challenges—while honoring the very heart of vet med: its people.

raised for veterinary specific charities

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