The Georgia Veterinary Medical Association is committed to advancing the veterinary medical profession and supporting the veterinarian’s role in improving animal and public health.
The GVMA exists to provide services and resources to help veterinarians cultivate healthy productive careers by progressively leading, promoting, supporting, and advocating for them. The GVMA is the voice of the profession.
In conducting the business of GVMA, the governance and management will be guided by these principles:
The GVMA Board of Directors is broken into three geographical districts across the state and 9 members which include the Advocacy Chair, AVMA Delegate, a Non-Clinical, At Large, Equine, Large/Food Animal, Poultry, Small Animal and Rural-Focused member. The composition of this Board is representative of our members in the variety of practices we see across the state.
Members – view the Policy and Position Statements of GVMA.
Dr. Keri Riddick earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology from Auburn University in 1997 and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000. Following veterinary school, she practiced mixed animal medicine in Birmingham, Alabama, for two years before spending five years in emergency medicine. In 2008, she purchased a small animal hospital in Columbus, Georgia.
An active leader in the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA), Dr. Riddick served as GVMA President in 2018. After selling her practice, she joined the GVMA team and has served as Executive Director since 2022. She was also selected for the University of Georgia’s Advancing Georgia’s Leaders in Agriculture, Forestry, and Veterinary Medicine 2025–2027 Cohort. In addition, she serves on the Atlanta Humane Society Board of Directors and on the legislative committee of the Georgia Agribusiness Council.
Dr. Riddick has been married to Don Riddick for more than twenty years. In her free time, she enjoys caring for their hobby farm in West Point, Georgia, where she is often found riding horses.
DVM
President
Dr. Tyson Strickland grew up on a small commercial beef cattle farm in Perry, Georgia, and was active in the youth 4-H and FFA livestock programs. He attended the University of Georgia and received a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in Animal Science in 2011. As an undergraduate student, he was active in Block and Bridle, Alpha Gamma Rho, UGA Cattlemen’s Association, and competed on the UGA Collegiate Meats Evaluation Team. He attended the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine as a Food Animal Veterinary Incentive Program Scholar with an emphasis in Food Animal Medicine and Production. He graduated from UGA CVM in May 2016. Dr. Strickland started Custom Livestock Solutions in June 2016. He and his wife, Anna, married in 2016. They reside in Comer with their two daughters, Harper Ann and Mary Elizabeth.
Meet Dr. Richard Noel, our President-Elect and the Executive Board Member representing District 2. Dr. Noel is a passionate advocate for collaboration in veterinary medicine, always striving to uplift his colleagues and strengthen our professional community.
Currently serving as a Clinical Research Veterinarian at the Georgia Institute of Technology, he brings a unique, “bench-to-bedside” perspective to the GVMA team. Dr. Noel earned his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of the West Indies and completed his clinical training at the University of Georgia. His diverse background includes over a decade of empowering veterinary teams as a Chief of Staff at Banfield Pet Hospital, as well as providing trusted locum services to practices across suburban Atlanta.
Whether he is contributing to groundbreaking medical research or building institutional capacity, Dr. Noel’s focus remains firmly on people. He is dedicated to applying his clinical expertise to improve humanity and serve the veterinary profession together with his fellow GVMA members. We are incredibly fortunate to have his supportive, team-first leadership on the board!
Dr. Luckstone graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2009 and she completed her clinical year at North Carolina State University. She enjoys small animal internal medicine, pain management, and holistic medicine including acupuncture and laser therapy. Dr. Luckstone became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in August of 2018. She also has a special interest in caring for birds and exotic pets.
Dr. Luckstone has been a member of the Board of Directors for the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association (GVMA) since 2018, and President of the GVMA for the 2024-2025 year.
Outside of the office, her hobbies include photography, baking, doing crafty things and spending time with her two Vizslas, Watson and Rooney.
DVM
Treasurer
A proud Auburn University graduate—War Eagle!—Dr. Justin Toth has been a passionate advocate for animals and veterinary medicine for nearly three decades. As founder and owner of Dallas Highway Animal Hospital since 2001, he has built an independently owned practice grounded in trust, compassion, and personalized care. His team is dedicated to strengthening the human-animal bond through thoughtful, advanced medical care, and he’s deeply proud of the culture they’ve cultivated. Originally from Atlanta, Dr. Toth is a lifelong Braves fan and an active member of the veterinary community both locally and nationally. He serves on the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine Advisory Board and previously held leadership roles including President of the Georgia Veterinary Medical Association and Delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association. Locally, he continues to contribute his time as President of the Cobb County Veterinary Medical Association and on the Cobb County Animal Services Board as liaison to his County Commissioner.
Dr. Toth’s love for animals extends far beyond the clinic. He believes deeply in the emotional lives of animals and the powerful connection between pets and people. The evolving science that supports this belief continues to inspire his work every day. Whether he’s helping a pet manage a chronic condition like congestive heart failure or celebrating the joy of a newly adopted puppy, he never loses sight of the trust his clients place in him. Family is at the heart of everything Dr. Toth does. He and his wife Sandy—his best friend and biggest supporter—have been married for over 30 years. They’ve raised two incredible daughters: Mary Catherine, who works with native wildlife at Bear Hollow Zoo in Athens, and Anna Leigh, a University of Georgia student studying art education. The Toth household also includes a lively bunch of four-legged family members: dogs Nash, Dottie, and Tuck, and cats Esme and Nellie P.
Dr. Toth finds joy in the art and science of healing, awe in the resilience of the body, and meaning in every relationship he builds—with pets, their families, and his colleagues in the veterinary profession.
Nicole is a Digital Marketing Specialist and public speaker living in Atlanta, GA. While in undergrad, Nicole got her start in veterinary medicine, working in all areas of the clinic, until starting her work with organized veterinary medicine. She started as the Executive Assistant for the Women’s Veterinary Leadership Development Initiative, where she still serves the Board of Directors in achieving their goals of creating a more equitable profession. In her work with the GVMA, she strives to bring veterinary associations success through creative problem solving and innovative digital marketing strategies. She is passionate about promoting women and historically underrepresented groups in veterinary medicine. Combining her experience with both associations allows her to deliver unique perspectives and remain in touch with the needs of the veterinary community.
In her free time, Nicole loves spending time with her dog, being outdoors, and watching Braves baseball.
Billie joined the GVMA team full-time after graduating with her BA in Hospitality from Georgia State University in 2016.
Beginning her career as a pet store retail associate, Billie has a special interest in the customer experience. Combining this with her lifelong passion for animals of all kinds, she found herself fitting right in to the unique position of VMA Membership Manager.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, SCUBA, & working on creative DIY projects. But, you’ll probably find her hanging out at home with her partner, Kyle, and two cats, Po & Tater.
I’m a dynamic and results-driven professional with a passion for executing exceptional events and driving operational excellence. With a strong foundation in administration and project coordination, I am dedicated to bringing structure and efficiency to every initiative I lead.
As Director of Operations with the GVMA, I am responsible for providing guidance to key staff members, overseeing the planning and execution of two key GVMA events, managing event budgets, coordinating site selection and contract negotiations, supporting student relations activities, and handling the planning and production of the GA Vet magazine.
2025 Dr. Jaclyn Luckstone
2024 Dr. Jonathan Bentley
2023 Dr. Elizabeth Mackey
2022 Dr. John Tarabula
2021 Dr. Justin Toth
2020 Dr. Jill Lancaster
2019 Dr. Mike Zager
2018 Dr. Keri Riddick
2017 Dr. Sarah Wheat
2016 Dr. Laura Smallwood
2015 Dr. Michael (Duffy) Jones
2014 Dr. Andrew Joe Morrow
2013 Dr. Denise Funk
2012 Dr. Herbert Spencer Tally, Jr.
2011 Dr. Kevin Chapman
2009-10 Dr. Myron Downs*
2008 Dr. Jim McClearen
2007 Dr. Karen Wylie
2006 Dr. Michael Younker
2005 Dr. Kevin McElwee
2004 Dr. Edward Mahaffey
2003 Dr. D. West Hamryka
2002 Dr. Lee Izen
2001 Dr. Billy Sanders
2000 Dr. Doris Miller-Liebl
1999 Dr. Tim Montgomery
1998 Dr. Jim Brett
1997 Dr. Ed Taylor
1996 Dr. Jerry Case
1995 Dr. Needham Bateman
1994 Dr. Roy Brogdon
1993 Dr. Jeff Davis
1992 Dr. Charles (Gary) Bullard
1991 Dr. James Strickland
1990 Dr. Gene Maddox
1989 Dr. Neil A. Williams
1988 Dr. John M. Bowen
1987 Dr. Henry E. Bohn
1986 Dr. Don McMillan
1985 Dr. Bill Bozeman
1984 Dr. Felix Smith
1983 Dr. George Patton
1982 Dr. Don Bush
1981 Dr. Larry R. Corry
1980 Dr. Marvin (Randy) Clayton
1979 Dr. Francis Case
1978 Dr. Richard Greene
1977 Dr. Roy Stewart
1976 Dr. Charles N. Dobbins
1975 Dr. Herman Westmoreland
1974 Dr. Harold Sharman
1973 Dr. E. Dennard Davis
1972 Dr. A. B. Kamine
1971 Dr. Leroy Dorminy
1970 Dr. Charles Ridgon
1969 Dr. Horace G. Blalock
1968 Dr. Jesse D. Derrick
1967 Dr. Ben R. Page
1966 Dr. W. J. Greenway, Jr.
1965 Dr. Murry E. Nunnery
1964 Dr. J. T. Mercer
1963 Dr. R. B. Phillips
1962 Dr. Paul Lindsey
1961 Dr. C. J. Mikel
1960 Dr. Joe B. Crane
1959 Dr. William A. Elinburg
1958 Dr. L. A. Mosher
1957 Dr. C.C. vonGremp
1956 Dr. Shirley Shepard
1955 Dr. Charles L. Williams
1954 Dr. J. R. Clanton
1953 Dr. J. T. Riddle
1952 Dr. F. E. Ducey
1951 Dr. R. A. Houston
1950 Dr. E. E. Chambers
1949 Dr. T. B. Clower
1948 Dr. W. D. Martin, Jr.
* In 2010 presidential terms went from July to June of the following year to a calendar year beginning at the annual meeting. Therefore, Dr. Downs served 1.5 terms in 2009 and 2010.
