TVMA Leadership Academy

The TVMA Leadership Academy (formerly Power of 10) is a TVMA initiative designed to cultivate leadership capacity for veterinarians at any stage of their career and provide learning experiences that will enrich the individual and benefit the individual’s practice, community, and profession.

How it works:

The TVMA Leadership Academy will provide a small cohort of veterinarians with seven leadership development sessions over a nine-month period. The program is open to veterinarians during any stage of their career. Participants will hear from topic experts in sessions that not only convey the key learning points about leadership, but also deepen the understanding of class members on a number of related topics. Sessions will include three sessions in Austin, one session at the Southwest Veterinary Symposium, and a session at the TVMA Annual Conference, as well as two virtual sessions.

Tuition for the program is $500. Participants receive complimentary registration to the TVMA Annual Conference, where participants will present their class project to the TVMA Board of Directors and will have the opportunity to attend CE sessions at the conference. TVMA will provide most meals during the sessions. Participants will be responsible for paying for their lodging in Austin, at Southwest Veterinary Symposium, and at the TVMA Annual Conference, totalling approximately twelve nights, in addition to some meals.

Key Benefits:

Through the program, participants will:

  • Develop a fundamental understanding of leadership skills, personal branding, and emotional intelligence
  • Deepen comprehension of communication styles and skills
  • Gain the competency to utilize these skills within ones’ life, practice and community
  • Heighten awareness of one’s self and better understand how to maximize interactions with those around you
  • Develop a vision of the leader you can be – and what it takes to become that leader
  • Experience a supportive environment that fosters meaningful interpersonal relationships and collaborative, lifelong interactions
  • Build a strong network within the Texas veterinary community

What participants in the class said about their experiences:

“I had a wonderful experience and feel like I grew a lot. I was so pleased to take away such good information that I can implement in real life.”

“Overall a wonderful experience and chance for self-development.”

“I am so happy/proud to have been a part of the program. It was amazing and I hope I can help carry on the tradition.”

“Great program! Really honored to be a part of it this year.”

“It was really valuable and I am really appreciative to have been a part of it.”

“This really lit a fire under me and got me excited about getting more involved both with local VMAs and TVMA.”

Meeting Schedule

2026-27 Tentative Meeting Schedule

July 18-19, 2026 - Austin - Insights Discovery - Finding Your Leadership Style

September 17-20, 2026  -  Southwest Veterinary Symposium, San Antonio- Paths to Leadership and Organized Veterinary Medicine

October 24-25, 2026 - Austin - The Empowerment Dynamic - Communicating as a Leader

November 11, 2026 6pm - Zoom Session - Legal Topics for Leaders

January/ February 2027 - Texas State Capitol, Austin (weekday TBD) - Advocating for the Veterinary Profession

March 3-7, 2027 - TVMA Annual Conference, The Woodlands - registration for Annual Conference CE included in class tuition. 

Class Costs

Class tuition includes presenter fees, assessment instruments, many meals during class sessions, and registration to the TVMA Annual Conference. Participants are responsible for hotel lodging, travel, and some meals. TVMA and generous sponsors help defray the costs of the program, but participants should budget for approximately 12 nights of hotel lodging, three trips to Austin, and travel to San Antonio and The Woodlands.

Interested in participating? Great, here’s your next step!

Step 1: 
Get your practice owner/supervisor to commit to supporting your involvement in this program since it means you will likely miss a few days of work for these important sessions.

Step 2: 
Fill out the TVMA Leadership Academy APPLICATION online by February 23, 2026 and wait to hear from the selection committee. 

APPLY TODAY!

APPLICATIONS FOR 2026-27
Appications for the 2026 class will be accepted through 2/23/26.

Questions? For more information contact: Angela Russell at arussell@tvma.org or 512-452-4224