We’re thrilled to announce that the 2020 Avanzino Leadership Award goes to Dr. Michael J. Blackwell for his outstanding leadership and purposeful dedication to honor the human-animal bond.
The award is named after Rich Avanzino, the father of the no-kill movement and Maddie’s Fund President from 1999 – 2015. This award recognizes significant achievement and courage to look beyond the status quo and make bold decisions to improve the lives of pets and their people. The award is presented with a $25,000 grant to be designated by the recipient.
Currently serving as the Director of the Program for Pet Health Equity, College of Social Work, at the University of Tennessee, Dr. Blackwell also chairs the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition. And, his career accomplishments are expansive, to say the least. Dr. Blackwell has served as the dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tennessee, Chief of Staff, Office of the Surgeon General of the U.S., Deputy Director of the Center for Veterinary Medicine, Food and Drug Administration, and Chief Veterinary Officer of the U.S. Public Health Service and The Humane Society of the United States. He achieved the rank of Assistant Surgeon General (Rear Admiral) of U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps during 23 years on active duty. In addition, he has owned two private practices in Oklahoma and Maryland. (No, we aren’t kidding.)
“What Dr. Blackwell has accomplished thus far in his lifetime, and continues to pursue, is nothing short of impressive,” said Amy Zeifang of the Maddie’s Fund Executive Leadership Team. “He has continuously followed his passion to do what’s right, focusing on the fact that people and pets belong together. His mission to improve access to veterinary care, especially for those with limited means, is meaningful for families throughout our country.”
Over the past three years, Maddie’s Fund has awarded a total of $3.3 million to Dr. Blackwell and his team at the Program for Pet Health Equity, College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. He was the first to conduct foundational research on barriers to access to veterinary care and best practices among those who seek to improve access to veterinary care. Based on the incredible findings from this research, he and his team began research and development of a new healthcare system called AlignCare.
“A life filled with service in veterinary medicine coupled with public health is what exemplifies Dr. Blackwell,” said Dr. Laurie Peek, Executive Leadership Team, Maddie’s Fund. “The intersection of these two disciplines led him to AlignCare, the next big step in revolutionizing the status and well-being of companion animals by helping to keep pets in their homes. His groundbreaking work truly honors the human-animal bond and the love that pets and people have for one another.”
Be sure to read the full press release on this amazing trailblazer! You can also learn more about the 2016 and 2017 recipients.