VetEvolve Appoints Catherine Howell as CEO, Strengthening Commitment to People-First Growth and Partner Practice Success

FALLS CHURCH, Va., Sept. 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- VetEvolve, a leading community of veterinary practices dedicated to building thriving teams and healthier communities, today announced the appointment of Catherine Howell as Chief Executive Officer.

Howell, who most recently served as VetEvolve's Chief Operating Officer and Interim CEO, holds nearly 20 years of leadership experience across the healthcare industry. Prior to joining VetEvolve in 2024, she served as Chief Operating Officer at Mass Advantage, a Medicare Advantage health plan in Massachusetts, and as VP of Operations at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She has also held senior roles at Arcadio.io, Lumeris, and Steward Health Care. In 2019, she was recognized as one of the Top 10 Up-and-Coming Industry Leaders in Healthcare by Managed Healthcare Executive. 

"A mission-first mindset coupled with a perpetual belief in taking care of people is at the very core of our purpose," said Nick Lodestro, Co-founder and Board Member of VetEvolve. "Catherine embodies our values of Serve, Evolve, and Trust, and her proven leadership as COO, in healthcare operations and partner experience makes her the right person to guide our team forward. I am excited for the future of the organization under her leadership." 

"I am honored to lead VetEvolve at such a pivotal moment," said Catherine Howell. "I have witnessed firsthand the VetEvolve team's commitment to support our people, equip our practices to deliver the highest level of care for the pets and communities we serve, and grow in a way that is sustainable and meaningful for our teams and our business. I believe our best days are ahead, and together, we have an incredible opportunity to shape the next chapter of VetEvolve and continue on our mission: taking care of the lives of people and pets."

Howell holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Masters in Healthcare Administration from Seton Hall University. 

About VetEvolve
VetEvolve is a community of veterinary practices dedicated to improving the lives of pets, their owners, and the professionals who care for them. Since its founding in 2014, the company has grown to 50 practices across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast, guided by its core values of Serve, Evolve, and Trust. By combining local practice autonomy with the support of a collaborative network, VetEvolve creates an environment where veterinary teams can thrive and deliver exceptional patient care. VetEvolve is backed by Varsity Healthcare Partners, a Los Angeles-based lower middle-market healthcare services private equity investment firm with deep expertise and a long track record of building leading physician practice management platforms.

Media Contact
Lori McManus, Marketing Manager
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SOURCE VetEvolve