Dr. Willie M. Reed
Independent Director
Dean Emeritus, Professor of Comparative Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine at Purdue University
Director since
March 2014
Committees
Corporate Governance; Quality and Innovation (Chair)
Other Current Public Company Directorships
None
Dr. Reed is one of the preeminent voices in the animal healthcare space. He provides essential animal health industry expertise, bringing deep knowledge of both livestock and pet care sectors from his role as Dean Emeritus of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine as well as from his extensive network and veterinary career spanning more than 40 years. He has an extensive background in veterinary diagnostics. He is an active leader and participant in industry conferences and is highly embedded within the veterinary community, providing valuable insights on veterinary workforce issues, industry trends and the evolving needs of future veterinarians. In addition, his focus on culture and employee engagement contributes important perspective to the Board.
Skills and Qualifications
Academia
Animal Health
Human Capital Management
Life Sciences
Marketing and Sales
Research and Development
Currently serves as Dean Emeritus and Professor of Comparative Pathobiology at Purdue University's College of Veterinary Medicine, with more than 40 years of experience in animal health, diagnostics and veterinary medicine including roles at Michigan State University as Professor, Department Chair and Director of the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health.
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists and Charter Diplomate of the American College of Poultry Veterinarians, bringing specialized expertise in livestock veterinary medicine, particularly poultry and deep understanding of both the livestock producer perspective and broader veterinary community needs across pet care and livestock sectors.
Highly engaged voice of animal health on the Board and in the veterinary industry, having served on a number of committees for the National Institutes of Health and the United States Department of Agriculture, and actively participating in industry conferences, providing valuable counsel on veterinary workforce issues, the role of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the current and future needs of veterinarians.
Career Highlights
Purdue University, College of Veterinary Medicine
- Dean Emeritus, Professor of Comparative Pathobiology (2024-present)
- Dean (2007-2024)
- Chief, Avian Diseases Diagnostic Service (1985-1990)
- Assistant Professor of Veterinary Pathology (1982-1987)
- Associate Professor of Veterinary Pathology (1987-1990)
Michigan State University
- Professor of Veterinary Pathology, Chairperson of the Department of Diagnostic Investigation (1997-2006)
- Director of the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health (1990-2006)
- Assistant Director of the Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (1985-1990)
Professional Leadership
- President, American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges
- President, American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians
- President, American Association of Avian Pathologists
- Chair, American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Research
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Poultry Diseases from Tuskegee University
- Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Tuskegee University
- Ph.D. in Veterinary Pathology from Purdue University