Our 2024 Board of Directors and Leaders

To get where the veterinary profession needs to go, it takes a dynamic group of people leading the way. Get to know our leadership team.
Officers
Dana Tatman-Lilly

DVM

President

Dr. Dana Tatman-Lilly is MVMA’s 2024 President. After obtaining her veterinary degree from Michigan State University in 2008, she completed a small animal internship at two specialty practices in the Chicago area. Afterward, she practiced in mid-Michigan for almost 13 years. With a passion for feline medicine and behavior, she has completed additional specialty training in feline medicine becoming a Certified Cat Friendly Veterinarian (CFV) by the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP). In addition to her specialty training, she has a particular interest in geriatric medicine, nutrition, and internal medicine.

Matthew Hynes

DVM

President-Elect

Dr. Hynes graduated from Michigan State University’s Honors Microbiology and Molecular Genetics program, then attended MSU College of Veterinary Medicine. 
Hynes’s specialties and areas of interest are critical and surgical care, long-term wound management, and respiratory therapy. Dr. Hynes is an emergency medicine veterinarian, the co-owner, and director of Advanced Animal Emergency in Clinton Township, Michigan, as well as being a board member and advisor at A-Paws, a non-profit organization that provides low cost veterinary care for the public.

Elaine Sheikh

DVM

First Vice-President

Dr. Sheikh is a native of West Michigan, attending Grand Valley State University as an undergraduate and then Michigan State University for veterinary school. She started practicing veterinary medicine in a high-paced mixed animal practice, which is where she fell in love with small animal emergency medicine. Dr. Sheikh is passionate about emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery, and orthopedic surgery. She enjoys exotic pets, especially small mammals such as rabbits, ferrets, and guinea pigs. Dr. Sheikh also serves the homeless pet community as a part-time shelter veterinarian and volunteers at her local therapeutic riding center.

Tim Duncan

DVM

Second Vice-President

Dr. Duncan knew at age seven that he wanted to be a veterinarian. He attended Michigan State University from 1990 until he graduated in 1998 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He took his first job at Gibraltar Veterinary Hospital. From there, he joined Oakland Animal Hospital in 2002 and became a partner in September, 2004. He has received additional training in soft tissue and orthopedic surgery (bone plating, corrective osteotomy, TPLO) as well as animal rehabilitation, cardiac and abdominal ultrasound. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, Michigan Veterinary Medical Association and Rochester Jaycees.

Larry Letsche

DVM

Immediate Past President
& AVMA Alternate Delegate

Dr. Letsche is a small animal veterinarian at Remrock Farms Veterinary Services in Plymouth, Michigan. Dr. Letsche graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from Michigan State University in 1984. He has a special interest in small animal reproduction and puppy wellness. He, along with his wife, actively breed and show Bichon Frise under the kennel name of Belle Creek. Many of their Bichons have been Best in Show, Best in Specialty and National Specialty winners. Dr. Letsche is also involved in organized veterinary medicine formerly serving on the Michigan Board of Veterinary Medicine,  and acting as a delegate representative of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 

Jill Lynn

DVM

AVMA Delegate

Dr. Lynn is a 2008 graduate of Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine and has practiced in southern Michigan and Ohio prior to moving to the Upper Peninsula. Dr. Jill also serves as a Major in the U.S. Army Reserve Veterinary Corps. In 2011, she deployed to East Africa for 6 months and worked in remote areas of Djibouti, Uganda, Tanzania and Ethiopia. Her mission was to partner with local animal health workers in under-served areas to treat diseases and help keep the cattle, sheep and goat population healthy and stable. In 2022, she deployed to Baghdad, Iraq and led a team of 7 stationed throughout the country supporting Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. Currently, she serves as Veterinary Preventive Medicine Officer in the 432nd Civil Affairs Battalion in Green Bay, WI. 

Bonnifer Ballard

MLD, CAE

MVMA Chief Executive Officer

Bonnifer Ballard has held leadership positions with several scientific, healthcare, and human rights organizations, bringing a wealth of association management experience to her role. She joins MVMA, after completing a decade-long tenure with the Michigan Section of the American Water Works Association (MI-AWWA) as their executive director. While there, Ballard cultivated a strong staff team, grew programs and services, and helped lead the organization through several strategic issues. She holds the Certified Association Executive (CAE) credential. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Cleary University and a Master’s degree in Leadership Development from North Central College, as well as being a U.S. Navy veteran.

Directors Representing Districts
Kelsey Deland

DVM

(1) Southern

Daniel MacArthur

DVM

(2) Michiana & (3) Southwestern

Laura Miller

DVM

(4) Jackson

Chelsea Render

DVM

(5) Washtenaw & (9) Livingston

Emily Socks

DVM

(6) Wayne & (8) Oakland

Michelle Meyer

DVM

(7) Macomb

Laurie Lockman

DVM

(10) Mid-State

Mary Kinser

DVM

(11) Western

Daniel White

DVM

(12) Saginaw & (13) Thumb

Sara Stein

DVM

(14) Northeastern

Kenny Rogers

DVM

(15) Northern

Directors Representing Associations & At Large
Lucy Henney

DVM

Southeastern Michigan VMA

Ashley Pfeifer

DVM

Michigan Equine Practitioners Association

Angel Abuelo Sebio

DVM

MSU College of Veterinary Medicine

Henry Reinart

DVM

Food Animal Practice

Melissa Dyson

DVM

Lab Animal Medicine - U of M

MVMA Staff
Bonnifer Ballard, MLD, CAE

Chief Executive Officer

ballard@michvma.org

Angel Davis

Director of Operations

davis@michvma.org

Kara Henrys

Director of Learning & Strategic Partnerships

henrys@michvma.org

Lauren Champion

Marketing Manager

champion@michvma.org

Alex Strauch, DVM

Staff Veterinarian

alex.strauch.dvm@gmail.com