Gene O’Neill, CEO of NAVC, joins Dr. Andy Roark to talk about something most of us never thought we’d live through, guiding one of the largest veterinary conferences in the world through a global pandemic. What happens when your flagship event relies on thousands of people flying into one place… and the world shuts down? Gene shares a behind-the-scenes look at the massive decisions NAVC had to make in the early, uncertain days of COVID. From survey results and postponed plans to sacred cows and cutting-edge pivots, Gene walks Andy through the hard choices, team dynamics, and the surprising wins that came out of the chaos.

Whether you’ve led a team through crisis or just wondered how big vet orgs stayed afloat, this conversation is packed with real talk on leadership, transparency, and making peace with imperfect decisions. Gang, let's get into this episode!

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Gene O’Neill joined the NAVC in 2013 as Chief Financial Officer. He was promoted to Deputy CEO and CFO in 2018 and was named CEO in 2019. O’Neill has led the transformation of the NAVC, expanding its portfolio from one which had consisted primarily of its annual veterinary conference, the Veterinary Meeting & Expo (VMX), to a diverse and growing international portfolio that includes: a media division that has become the veterinary industry’s largest trade publisher; a robust online learning platform and virtual portfolio which takes the events and continued education opportunities through which the NAVC built its global reputation and makes them available to more veterinary professionals worldwide; certification programs; an advocacy arm; and an innovative, new style of in-person local events designed to help the veterinary industry get ahead of issues impacting veterinary professionals. Under O’Neill’s leadership and vision, the NAVC has more than doubled its revenue.



Prior to joining the NAVC, O’Neill held executive and financial leadership roles at the Institute of Internal Auditors, IIA-Australia and SeaWorld of Florida. He has held CPA and CIA designations throughout his career. O’Neill served as the Interim CEO for The Institute of Internal Auditors-Australia, based in Sydney. During his four month term there, he was able to implement new programs and benefits that turned around a declining membership base, develop an operating business plan for the organization that matched the changing dynamics of the structure of The Institute and produce a world-class conference for members in Australia and SE Asia. A New Jersey native, he lives in Ormond Beach, FL with his wife Pam. They enjoy spending time with their four children and two grandchildren. He loves to spend time on the water and is an avid golfer and a music enthusiast.