Ottawa, CANADA, August 11, 2025 – Veterinarians Without Borders North America / Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord (VWB/VSF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Janine Mitchell as its new Executive Director, effective August 5, 2025. Janine succeeds Charmaine Brett, who will remain with VWB/VSF until the beginning of September to ensure a smooth leadership transition before taking on her new role as President and CEO of the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society.
Janine brings more than two decades of experience in global health, One Health, and health systems strengthening across over 30 countries. She has lived and worked extensively in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, leading initiatives in disease surveillance, pandemic preparedness, antimicrobial resistance, and disaster response.
Before joining VWB/VSF, Janine held senior positions with DAI, Mott MacDonald, and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), managing complex multi-country portfolios and forging collaborations with governments, academic institutions, and major global donors such as USAID, UK-FCDO, and the Hewlett Foundation. She is also an Extraordinary Lecturer at the University of Pretoria’s School of Health Systems and Public Health and has supported the development of the Africa Evidence Network to strengthen regional communities of practice in evidence-informed policymaking.
“VWB/VSF’s commitment to improving the health of animals, people, and the environment through a One Health approach is deeply aligned with my values and experience,” said Janine. “I am honoured to join this extraordinary team and look forward to building on its strong foundation to expand our impact in Canada and around the world.”
Janine holds a Master of Science in Epidemiology from the University of Pretoria and is a passionate advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusive development that centers the voices and leadership of local communities.
VWB/VSF Board Chair Jennifer Ogeer (BSc, DVM, MSc, MBA, MA) welcomed Janine’s appointment, noting, “Her depth of international experience, strategic vision, and dedication to community-led solutions make her uniquely positioned to guide VWB/VSF into its next chapter under our 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 poised to continue advancing animal, human, and environmental health under Janine’s leadership.
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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
