National practice networks BluePearl Pet Hospital and Banfield Pet Hospital, both part of Mars Petcare’s global Mars Veterinary Health division, recently announced a pair of veterinarian promotions to the position of chief medical officer (CMO ).1,2 Additionally, a third CMO appointment has been named at Mars Science & Diagnostics, another division of Mars Petcare.1
Alea Harrison, DVM, has been named CMO for Banfield, which is based in Vancouver, Washington, and oversees more than 3600 veterinarians in more than 1000 hospitals across the United States, its territories, and Mexico.2 As the new CMO for BluePearl, based in Tampa, Florida, Richard Stone, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM), leads more than 110 hospitals in 30 US states with more than 8000 associates including veterinarians, veterinary technicians and other professionals. Jimmy Barr, DVM, DACVECC, the former CMO for BluePearl, is in the same role for Mars Science & Diagnostics.1
Alea Harrison, DVM
Alea Harrison, DVM (All photos courtesy of Mars Veterinary Health)
A graduate of Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and Nevis, Harrison is a board member of the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Association. He has been with Banfield for more than 17 years, starting as a practicing veterinarian and progressing through leadership roles to his current position, according to a Banfield release.1 He most recently served as acting CMO, following the March 2023 appointment of former Banfield CMO, Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH, to CMO of Mars Veterinary Health.2,3
Harrison is recognized by Banfield as instrumental in advancing the company’s priorities to support staff pets with quality care initiatives such as improving anesthesia standards and protocols. “As CMO, I look forward to leading with a strong focus on the hospital, helping veterinary teams partner with clients to make informed, best treatment decisions rooted in the latest medical research,” said Harrison on the way out.2
A campus liaison for Ross University, Harrison serves as a coach for the profession. His support for physicians includes promoting equity, inclusion, and diversity in veterinary medicine, and serving as a board member for the charity Banfield Foundation and a member of the company’s POWER Diversity Resource Group. works to “attract, retain and advance Black talent” in the profession, according to the release.2
Richard Stone, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)
Richard Stone, DVM, DACVIM (SAIM)
Stone graduated from Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine and Biological Sciences in College Station and completed his internal medicine residency at the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine in Athens. He began his work at BluePearl in 2011 as an internal medicine specialist and previously held the role of vice president of medicine for the network.1
“During my 12 years at BluePearl, I have had the opportunity to work in several roles and it is a great honor to continue my journey as chief medical officer,” said Stone, in a BluePearl release.1 “I am grateful for Dr Barr’s leadership, and I am excited to build on his legacy of providing the highest quality care to the pets and communities we serve, while pursuing sustainable medical excellence.”
Jimmy Barr, DVM, DACVECC
Barr graduated from Louisiana State University and joined Texas A&M as a faculty member. He first joined BluePearl in 2007 and, following service as a Texas A&M faculty member, returned to the company a decade later. He was promoted to CMO in 2018.1
In a statement, Barr said he is “honored and grateful” for the role as CMO at Mars Science and Diagnostics, which will allow him to help lead change in animal health. “Veterinary Medicine is the best field there is and our commitment to pets has never been stronger. I was fortunate to experience that commitment during my time at BluePearl and saw the unwavering dedication of BluePearl colleagues to the pets they care for. I wish Dr. Stone the best of luck in his new role and look forward to his continued success,” Barr said, in the BluePearl release.1
Sources
- BluePearl announced Dr. Richard Stone as chief medical officer. News release. Blue Pearl Pet Hospital. January 16, 2024. Accessed January 25, 2024.
- Banfield Pet Hospital has appointed Dr. Alea Harrison as chief medical officer. News release. Banfield Pet Hospital. January 16, 2024. Accessed January 25, 2024.
- Mars Veterinary Health appointed Dr. Molly McAllister as chief medical officer. Mars Veterinary Health. March 24, 2023. Accessed January 25, 2024. https://www.marsveterinary.com/mars-veterinary-health-appoints-dr-molly-mcallister-as-chief-medical-officer/
