Kim Van Syoc is a Board member with Veterinarians Without Borders North America/Vétérinaires Sans Frontières Amérique du Nord U.S.
Kim Van Syoc is the executive director of the Banfield Foundation and VCA Charites, the charitable arms of Banfield Pet Hospital and VCA Animal Hospital, two of the largest veterinary practices in the world. Under Kim’s leadership, the Banfield Foundation and VCA Charites have collectively awarded more than $16 million in grants and improved the health, safety and wellbeing of more than 7 million pets in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and Guam. Kim also helped launch, and currently serves as president of, the Better Together Fund, a separate public charity which empowers Banfield, BluePearl and VCA Animal Hospital Associates to support one another with critical financial assistance in the event of natural and manmade disasters or domestic violence.
Kim joined Banfield Pet Hospital in 2009 after spending more than 12 years working in public relations. Prior to her role at the Banfield Foundation, Kim served as Banfield’s director of external communications, overseeing public relations, crisis communications, stakeholder engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility. Kim’s achievements include the creation and management of the annual State of Pet Health Report, the largest report of its kind as well as Banfield’s Corporate Social Responsibility platform and the creation of the Banfield Foundation.
Kim serves on the Board of Trustees for the Oregon Zoo Foundation and the Advisory Council for Greater Good Charities – further demonstrating her love of animals, big and small. Kim lives in Lake Oswego, Oregon along with her husband, daughter and 3-year-old Standard Schnauzer, Pippa.
In Ghana’s Upper East Region, women Community Animal Health Workers (CAHWs) are transforming animal care and community health. Through VWB’s VETS program, they’re improving livestock management, advancing gender equality, and building resilient One Health systems from the ground up.
Join Veterinarians Without Borders for our virtual 20th Anniversary celebration — 20 Years of Impact: A Celebration of Our Volunteers & VWB in Action. Reflect on two decades of One Health impact and connect with the people shaping a healthier world for animals, people, and the planet.
This field report from Laos shares insights from VWB’s Senior Program Officer, Megan Sylka, highlighting how the VETS program, in partnership with CARE Laos, is empowering women, improving animal health, and helping farming communities build climate resilience through sustainable agriculture and One Health practices.
