The American Board of Veterinary Toxicology (ABVT) has announced the results of its recent officer elections, with a new Executive Committee taking office for the 2026–2028 term. The elected slate brings together leaders from industry, poison-control services, diagnostic laboratories, and academia.
Dr. Jay Albretsen was elected President. A Senior Principal Research Scientist at Charles River Laboratories, Albretsen has more than 22 years of experience in safety assessment. He earned his DVM from Purdue University in 1988 and a PhD in toxicology from Utah State University in 1996, and is board-certified by both the American Board of Toxicology and the ABVT. His career spans preclinical safety assessment, service as a veterinary poison information specialist with the ASPCA, and clinical practice. Albretsen previously served the ABVT as Candidate Coordinator for more than a decade.
Dr. Renee Schmid was elected President-Elect. Director of Veterinary Medicine and Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline and an adjunct professor at Kansas State University, Schmid is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Toxicology and the ABVT. She has served the organization as an Examining Committee member and as its Chair.
Dr. Megan Romano was elected Secretary. A faculty member at the University of Kentucky Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory since 2020, Romano became an ABVT Diplomate in 2019 and brings particular expertise in equine toxicology and toxic plants, drawing on a background in equine and mixed-animal practice.
Rounding out the committee is Dr. Scott Radke, who continues as Treasurer following his election to the post in 2024. Raised on a family hog and crop operation in northwest Iowa, Radke earned his DVM from Iowa State University in 2016 and now serves as a Clinical Associate Professor at the Iowa State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.
Together, the newly elected committee reflects the breadth of the veterinary toxicology field, uniting expertise across research, clinical care, diagnostics, and education to guide the ABVT through its next term.
Meet the Executive Committee, 2026-2028