NORTH SMITHFIELD – The Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association recently appointed Dr. Holly Brown to serve as its new president.
Brown, a North Smithfield resident, assumed her role in January, overseeing the state’s largest organization supporting veterinary professionals, animal welfare, and public health. She succeeds Dr. Sarah Mercurio, who completed her term at the end of 2025.
A New Hampshire native, Brown received a doctorate from Louisiana State University in 2010 and got her start in the field at Northern Rhode Island Animal Hospital. She joined RIVMA in 2012 and has served as a legislative committee member since 2015.
She served as secretary of the organization prior to the recent appointment. The 250-member association is comprised of local veterinarians dedicated to animal welfare and advancing veterinary medicine.
In a release announcing her new role, Brown outlined key areas she intends to champion on behalf of the organization.
“In my role as RIVMA president, one of my priorities is advancing legislation that formally recognizes and title-protects veterinary technicians and establishes an alternative pathway to licensure,” said Brown. “I am committed to continuing RIVMA’s work to support the success of those who serve in this essential role within the veterinary profession.”
Brown said another priority during her presidency is to protect Rhode Island veterinarians and their patients by advocating against legislation that would allow telemedicine without a valid veterinarian-client-patient relationship, and opposing measures that would allow the recovery of non-economic damages.
“I believe Rhode Island can expand access to veterinary care while maintaining high standards of patient care and professional integrity,” she said.
The new president said supporting and strengthening the RIVMA Companion Animal Foundation and its fundraising efforts will also be a focus. Launched in 2024 to help cover the cost of health care and vaccines for pets of low-income owners, the CAF is the charitable arm of RIVMA. It was the first veterinary-based assistance program of its kind established in the United States.
Outside of RIVMA, Brown is a partner physician at Harbor Animal Hospital in Warren, and a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. She said in her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, and knitting. Brown shares her home in North Smithfield with her son, her fiance, a dog named Merlot, two cats named Sundae and Kirby, and a chinchilla named Miss Jeffrey.
