Dear John,

Serving as AAVS’s President is not a job; it's a calling. It has been my genuine privilege to stand at the center of this historic organization, and represent our cause, since 1995. I have worked hard to find paths and solve problems, defining my tenure as aiming to create “meaningful, lasting change” for animals who suffer in labs. I approached my work with values of integrity, compassion, and responsibility. I have real love in my heart for animals and for the AAVS “family”—the board, staff, and members, all of whom are essential to this unique organization.

I always knew that the day would come when I would pass the torch to the next President—that is how successful organizations work. But who could do justice to AAVS? Leadership is tricky.

Fortunately, AAVS has always attracted good people. When Luke Klein first interviewed here in 2017, he presented a wide range of experience and capabilities, as well as completely aligned values that were a perfect fit for AAVS. Over the years, I entrusted him with important responsibilities and witnessed his faithful service to the organization, bringing new skills and incredible energy. The AAVS Board of Managers and I decided last year that the time had arrived. We asked Luke if he was willing to become President, and he said yes.

At AAVS's Annual Meeting on April 24, 2025, Luke was elected President of AAVS with my full support and gratitude. I will continue to serve this family of organizations and efforts in whatever ways I can—leading our affiliate, the Alternatives Research & Development Foundation until this October, and working on special projects where my skills might be useful.

I am happy to depart at a time when our organization is strong and stable, and our cause has made significant changes in the landscape of science that affects animals. To be sure, callousness and indifference persist; animals are suffering; and AAVS is needed as much as ever. But empathy for animals is more profound than ever too and developments in technology and biology are pointing to the use of newer, non-animal methods in research and testing. I am incredibly proud of AAVS's contributions to “meaningful, lasting change” in policy and science.

I am profoundly grateful to all of the good people of AAVS. You have been dedicated, supportive, sincere, and generous. You have given me 30 years of pride and joy. Thank you!