AAEP Presents George Stubbs Award to Recently Retired FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine Director Tracey Forfa

The American Association of Equine Practitioners presented its 2025 George Stubbs Award to Tracey Forfa, JD, MDiv, recently retired director of the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine who, since joining the CVM in 2002, was instrumental in guiding the AAEP’s policy on compounded medications and other matters related to equine veterinary pharmaceuticals. 

Named for the late artist and educator George Stubbs, the award recognizes a non-veterinarian who has contributed substantially to equine veterinary medicine through leadership, product development, public service, public policy development, volunteerism, advocacy, research or education. Forfa accepted her award Dec. 9 during the President’s Luncheon at the AAEP’s 71st Annual Convention in Denver, Colo. 

Throughout her 32-year tenure with the FDA, Forfa advocated for policies serving the best interests of the horse and veterinary medicine. In her role as liaison between the FDA, their stakeholders and the AAEP, she worked cooperatively to ensure that enacted policies were fair, ethical and upheld the welfare of the horse. Forfa’s influence and leadership was especially beneficial in the oversight and manufacture of compounded medications to ensure their safe and ethical use. As part of her efforts, she helped AAEP craft guidance for its members on appropriate use of these medications. 

In her letter of support of Dr. Jim Morehead’s nomination of Tracey Forfa, AAEP Past President Ann Dwyer said, “Ms. Forfa provided clear guidance on difficult issues which helped us make some tough decisions about the AAEP relationship with compounders. Her perspective was extremely valuable in crafting member communications and guiding members toward responsible relationships with ethical compounders. As a result, the welfare of the horse has benefited because regulations have evolved to support product quality and guardrails are in place to assure ethical business relations between pharmacies and consumers.” 

Forfa was appointed director of the FDA CVM in February 2023 after serving in multiple leadership roles. She retired in April 2025. Prior to joining the CVM in 2002, she supported the FDA’s mission in other capacities. She joined the agency in 1993 as a member of the regulations and policy staff at the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. In 1996, she joined the Office of the Chief Mediator and Ombudsman, working on product jurisdiction and external dispute resolution.  

The American Association of Equine Practitioners, headquartered in Lexington, Ky., was founded in 1954 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the health and welfare of the horse. Currently, AAEP reaches more than 5 million horse owners through its over 9,000 members worldwide and is actively involved in ethics issues, practice management, research and continuing education in the equine veterinary profession and horse industry.