Officer Team 2026

Kira Williams – President

Kira is a second year NC State veterinary student from New Bern, NC. She graduated from North Carolina State University with a B.S in Animal Science and a minor in Nutrition. Kira is interested in pursuing a career in mixed animal veterinary medicine. She joined VBMA because of her avid interest in becoming a veterinary business owner, and is eager to improve her understanding of finances, networking, and leadership skills through being involved in this organization. In her free time, Kira enjoys playing guitar, reading, spending time outdoors and having game nights with friends.

Megan Barnes – President-Elect

Megan is a first year student from Oregon. She graduated Oregon State University with a B.S. in Zoology. She originally worked in wildlife conservation prior to going to vet school. She has many interests when it comes to working with animals, currently enjoying exploring emergency medicine. She says she joined VBMA because she never wants to be caught with her pants down in terms of a contract. Really, she values a well rounded knowledge of the veterinary industry and wants to be a leader in her community. In her free time, Megan enjoys reading and writing, playing pickleball and spending time with friends and family.

 

Kaitlyn Firestone – Vice President

My name is Kaitlyn and I am a first year NC State veterinary student from Danville, California. I graduated from Auburn University with a B.S. in Animal Science (Pre-Vet Concentration) and a B.S. in Exercise Science. I am interested in pursuing a career in small animal veterinary medicine in general practice and emergency medicine. I joined VBMA to learn more about business ownership and what that entails, networking opportunities, improve my leadership and communication skills, and meeting other vet students in all years. In my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, taking walks and going to the lake with my dog, and doing diamond art or canvas painting.

 

Rebecca Hardesty – Secretary

I am a first year student from Virginia. I graduated from Christopher Newport University with a BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology and a minor in Leadership Studies. I am interested in mixed animal medicine. I joined VBMA to learn more about the business aspect of veterinary medicine and to build a network with other veterinary professionals. In my free time I love to relax with my cats, try new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Genesis Lutsky – Treasurer

Genesis Lutsky is a 1st year NC State veterinary student from Concord, NC. She graduated from Lees-McRae College with an Honors B.S. in Pre-Veterinary Medicine and a double minor in Wildlife Rehabilitation and Business.

 

Sylvia Stewart-Bates – Conference Liasson 

Sylvia is a second year student from Cleveland, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate degree at Davidson College, where she majored in Classical Studies and Biology. Sylvia is interested in regulatory medicine and shelter medicine. In her free time, Sylvia enjoys exercising, baking, and spending time with her dog and her family.

 

Claire Roffi – Marketing Coordinator

Claire is a second-year veterinary student interested in small animal emergency medicine or general practice. She went to the University of Florida for undergrad and completed a dual-degree in Biology and Japanese. In her free time she enjoys yoga, rock climbing, and trying new coffee shops.

 

Meredith Stratton – Merchandise Chair

Meredith is a first year student at the CVM. She graduated from N.C. State with a B.S. in Animal Science and spent some time as a veterinary assistant and research technician before committing to vet school. Meredith is interested in practicing mixed animal emergency medicine. In her free time she enjoys hiking with her dog and trying new restaurants.