Christopher Henney, CAE
Ohio Veterinary Medical Association – Powell, Ohio
Chris Henney is the executive director of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Association, a post he assumed in December of 2023. Prior to this, Chris served as the president and chief executive officer of the Ohio AgriBusiness Association (OABA), an organization of more than 225 member companies led by a 15-member Board of Directors. There, he guided the development of OABA’s first strategic plan in 25 years, resulting in a revenue growth of 50 percent over four years.
His other landmark accomplishments include successfully lobbying the state legislature for a tax exemption for the grain industry, developing a first-of-its-kind certification program addressing environmental challenges, and establishing a suite of leadership programs for OABA members.
Prior to OABA, Chris worked at the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation (OFBF), where he served in a variety of roles over his 13-year tenure, most recently as director of legislative relations. During his time at OFBF, Chris successfully lobbied for the passage of a number of key bills and increased member participation in the organization’s annual advocacy event at the Statehouse.
A leader in the agriculture community, Chris serves on the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine’s Animal Agricultural Advancement Board; the Ohio Agricultural Council; and the OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences’ Vice President’s Advisory Council. He is also a member of both the American and Ohio Society of Association Professionals and is a certified association executive (CAE).