Leadership Kansas announces 2024 alumnus of the year

By Scout Nelson

Leadership Kansas has recently honored Marty Vanier, DVM, a member of their 1990 class, as Alumnus of the Year. This announcement was made at the annual Leadership Kansas Summit in Lawrence.

Vanier currently serves as the Director of the National Agricultural Biosecurity Center (NABC) and has had an extensive career marked by leadership in both the public and private sectors. Her recent role included managing strategic partnerships for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, a collaboration between the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and K-State.

Aaron Miller, the Executive Director of Leadership Kansas, praised Vanier for her significant impact on the program, noting her leadership during the Manhattan session, where she served as the Local Program Chair.

"Marty's leadership has greatly strengthened Leadership Kansas, focusing us more on our mission over the past few years," Miller commented. He also extended thanks on behalf of the over 1,600 alumni for her dedicated service and commitment.

The honor, named after Jim Edwards, Leadership Kansas's first executive director, recognizes alumni who lead in their communities, support the Leadership Kansas program, and whose professional achievements reflect positively on the program.

Vanier’s career accomplishments include roles as science coordinator at the Animal Health Institute in Washington, D.C., deputy director for information and legislative affairs at the Food Safety and Inspection Service, and research assistant at the Food Safety Consortium in K-State’s Department of Animal Sciences and Industry.

Vanier has served as executive director of the Kansas Agricultural Alliance and has been involved in key NABC projects, coordinating research teams and fostering relationships with various state and federal agencies, industry groups, and law enforcement.

Her contributions to veterinary science and biosecurity have been recognized with multiple awards, including the 2009 Veterinarian of the Year Award from the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association and the President’s Award in 2002, 2012, and 2014. She also held the presidency of the KVMA during 2015–2016, further underlining her leadership in the field.

This accolade from Leadership Kansas underscores Vanier's lasting impact on agricultural biosecurity and her continued commitment to advancing the industry and supporting community leadership.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-stockseller_ukr