This article was originally printed in the Sept/Octo 2026 issue of the California Veterinarian magazine.

In its extensive search for a new Executive Director, the CVMA needed to look no further than one of its own long-time members. Dr. Jon Klingborg has worked as an associate, partner, owner, relief veterinarian, lead veterinarian, and chief of staff. He has practiced in rural and urban environments, worked in small, two-doctor and multi-location group practices, and been both a mixed-animal and smallanimal-exclusive practitioner. Dr. Klingborg has also been a dedicated champion of the CVMA since graduating veterinary school, holding every position in CVMA leadership. With his thorough knowledge of the CVMA and intimate understanding of the veterinary profession, Dr. Klingborg has hit the ground running.

Q: What are you most excited about as you step into this position?

Dr. Klingborg: The opportunity to create real, meaningful change for our profession. Right now, it feels like everyone in veterinary medicine is working harder than ever, yet our quality of life and job satisfaction seem increasingly out of reach. Having just stepped away from private practice after more than 30 years, I know how that feels.

Fundamentally, there is a growing tension between service affordability, professional liability, and practice economics that is squeezing veterinary teams. This is where the CVMA can step in to make a tangible difference in your daily life—by actively advocating for changes to the systems and regulations that create friction, administrative burdens, and unnecessary obstacles for practices.

What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve had the opportunity to reinvent myself several times over the course of my career! After my first decade in practice, I pivoted from a 50/50 dairy and small animal practice to 100% small animal medicine. From there, I spent the next 20 years expanding my focus to advanced surgery, practice management, and clinical communication.

What are you most proud of from your time in practice?

The incredible teamwork I built with my registered veterinary technicians. I was so proud to support “homegrown” RVTs who utilized the Alternate Route pathway, combining coursework with hands-on clinical training. Whenever they needed help, I was honored when they let me tutor them. Knowing I helped them expand their clinical skill sets while advancing toward a true livable wage is one of the most rewarding accomplishments of my career.

What are your top priorities during your first year?

My focus centers on five key pillars:

1. Advocacy and protecting our profession: The veterinary profession faces constant threats from those attempting to expand into our scope of practice. On my watch, the CVMA will stand firm against scope creep.
2. Business and practice efficiency: We need to address systemic bottlenecks in how care is delivered, and quite frankly, veterinarians are the bottleneck—we need to use our team and tools more wisely. Reducing regulatory burdens is also on my “To Do” list.
3. Community for the entire team: The CVMA represents everyone in the practice—from veterinary assistants and customer service representatives to RVTs, practice managers, practice owners, and associate veterinarians. Our advocacy and educational content will reflect and support the entire hospital team.
4. Early-career development: We must support new graduates during the first five years of their careers with practical skill development and financial literacy, ensuring they can build a sustainable, lifelong career.
5. Practical education: We are focused on offering mid-career veterinarians hands-on, high-yield CE that empowers them to master new clinical skills and find fresh, exciting challenges in their day-to-day practice.

What message do you want to send to veterinary professionals across California?

For the first time in over two decades, there is a practicing veterinarian at the helm of the CVMA—someone who knows the daily reality, the late nights, and the struggles of practice firsthand.

The CVMA is committed to providing value and relevance for you—but we need you to be at the table for this relationship to work! Please join us, renew your membership, and lend your voice to the movement shaping the future of veterinary medicine in California.