Craig S. Lesser, DVM, CF

AAEP Service:

Educational Programs Committee
Foundational Skills Meeting Committee
Student Planning Group
Podiatry Rounds Moderator
Student Short Course Task Force
Coyote Rock Ranch Scholarship Review
Podiatry XP courses
Podiatry Essential Skills Workshop Coordinator

Instructor for AAEP Student Essential Skills Podiatry Workshops at multiple veterinary schools and national meetings, including at institutions such as Colorado State University, Ohio State University, Cornell University, Michigan State University, Western University, and others.

Lecturing and moderating multiple sessions at AAEP meetings.

Attending every AAEP national convention since I was a freshman in veterinary school along with participation in programming.

 

Professional life/Community and professional volunteer service:

Opportunities in Equine Practice Seminar (OEPS)

• Reboot and Seminar host (2023-2026)
• OEPS is a weekend dedicated to future equine veterinarians. A collaboration of equine practitioners nationwide and industry sponsors have come together to host this event. OEPS is the leading student forum in equine veterinary medicine, with over 4,500 students attending since its inception in 2003.

Veterinary Equine Podiatry Group Inc.

• Founder – Working toward creation of a College of Veterinary Equine Podiatry
• President (2026-Present)

International Podiatry Symposium

• Seminar host and organizer (2019, 2022, 2024, 2026)

Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners

• Board member (2026-Present)

Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association

• Mentor Vet (2021-2022)
• Power of Ten (2019-2021)
• Lecturer at annual meetings

The Horse Magazine

• Editorial Advisory Board (2020-Present)

State Farriers Associations/groups

• Lecture and lab in multiple states including SW Ohio, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Colorado, California, Indiana, Mid-Eastern, Minnesota.

State Veterinary Associations/practices

• Lecture and lab in multiple locations including Kentucky, Oregon, Montana, Maryland, Arizona, Pennsylvania, New York, Colorado, Australia, Mexico, Ohio, Washington, Minnesota, Indiana.

 

Q: Why do you want to serve on the board?

I am motivated to serve on the AAEP Board of Directors because mentorship has been foundational to my career, and I see this as an opportunity to give back in a meaningful way.

I have been fortunate to learn from exceptional mentors who shaped not only my clinical development, but also my approach to collaboration, leadership, and lifelong learning. AAEP has been central to the creation of many of those relationships and experiences. My involvement has been driven by a desire to extend those same opportunities to the next generation.

My connection to AAEP’s mission is rooted in developing skilled, confident practitioners through hands-on education and strong professional networks. I am particularly motivated to strengthen mentorship pathways as a means to improve recruitment, retention, and long-term success within the profession.

Through board service, I hope to expand mentorship-driven initiatives, enhance the transition from student to practitioner, and ensure AAEP continues to be a place where meaningful professional relationships are built. Ultimately, my goal is to help create the same kind of impact for others that my mentors, and AAEP, have had on me.

 

Q: What attributes would you bring to the board?

I would bring a combination of collaborative leadership, clear communication, and practical execution, based on both clinical practice and organizational experience.

As founder of the Veterinary Equine Podiatry Group, I have had the opportunity grow this organization from concept to implementation, bringing strong personalities with differing priorities together for a common goal. This has required facilitating productive discussions, aligning perspectives, and consistently moving initiatives forward. Direct communication and active listening have been key to the success of this program.

Organizing programs like the Opportunities in Equine Practice Seminar reflects my ability to identify a need and develop a strategy for implementation that is both impactful and deliverable. We are able to bring practices that are normally competitors together to support this program by appealing to common struggles and providing solutions. This inclusion of all allows for the development of future equine veterinarians and leaders in our organization.

As a practice owner and rehabilitation facility owner, I bring experience in financial decision-making, operations, and long-term planning. Anyone that has been an owner in a business understands that there are always issues, but the success of a business often depends on leadership’s ability to navigate these issues. These experiences have helped me to develop the ability to lead with a variety of methods including delegation, empowerment, and collaboration.

I have consistently prioritized student and early career engagement through teaching and mentorship, to help secure the long-term strength of our profession.

Overall, I bring a practical, team-oriented approach focused on advancing AAEP’s mission through a thoughtful, collaborative progress.