Ottawa, CANADA, May 30, 2025 – Veterinarians Without Borders North America / Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) announced today that Executive Director Charmaine Brett will be stepping down in September 2025 to begin a new chapter as President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Since joining VWB/VSF in 2021, Charmaine has helped expand programming to more than 13 countries, deepen partnerships across Canada and the U.S., and position VWB/VSF as a key contributor to global One Health initiatives. Her legacy includes launching animal health programs in Northern Canada, expanding emergency response in crisis-affected regions, and championing greater equity in veterinary care.
As the search for new leadership begins, VWB/VSF's Board of Directors and senior leadership team remain committed to delivering on the organization’s 2025–2030 Strategic Plan. With registered charitable status in both Canada and the U.S., and ongoing programs across Africa, Asia, Northern Canada, and Europe, VWB/VSF is well-positioned to continue advancing animal, human, and environmental health through a One Health lens.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Charmaine for her outstanding leadership and wish her continued success as she takes the helm of one of Canada’s leading animal welfare organizations.
The leadership role is posted on our website and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
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About VWB/VSF: Founded in 2005, Veterinarians Without Borders North America / Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to improving community health through enhanced animal health. Using a “One Health” approach, we work with diverse partners to strengthen community-centered animal health systems, directly benefiting the people and environments that rely on them. As the North American affiliate of VSF International, VWB/VSF operates independently, with ongoing programs in Africa, Asia, Northern Canada, and Europe. Our efforts focus on disease prevention, sustainable livelihoods, equitable access to resources, capacity building, and humanitarian relief, reaching over 1 million people annually. Learn more: www.vwb.org
Media Contact:
Tanja Kisslinger
Director of Communications
VWB/VSF North America
tanja@vwb.org / +1 613 413 5776
