Compassion-First Pet Hospitals, a network of 47 specialty and emergency veterinary practices, has elevated Ryan Buck, MBA, MS, to chief operating officer, his second promotion in six months.
Buck, who was promoted from group president to executive vice president in June 2019, will oversee several areas as chief operating officer. Among them: hospital operations, business development, marketing, talent development, customer development, veterinary informatics and veterinary nursing development.
He previously served as CEO of Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, a Houston hospital that Hurricane Harvey floodwaters destroyed in August 2017. Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, which Compassion-First acquired in 2016, reopened within 16 months at a 51,000-square-foot facility.
“During this devasting time, Ryan worked tirelessly for the people, pets and community of Houston while at the same time caring for his family of six, including newborn Lyla,” said John Payne, chairman, president and CEO of Compassion-First. “Ryan is a rare and unique leader. He is driven to do what is right and is known for bringing innovative thinking to the table to solve some of the toughest challenges.
“His approach is vital as we embark on a mission to elevate patient outcomes and set a new standard for care.”
Buck, who replaces John Corsale, DVM, MBA, will move to Vancouver, Washington, the site of Compassion-First’s West Coast office. The company is headquartered in Tinton Falls, New Jersey.
Did you know a subscription to Today’s Veterinary Business is free to qualified veterinary professionals? All you have to do is sign up here (and renew each year). You also can sign up to receive the Today’s Veterinary Business weekly e-newsletter.