Administrative staffer honored by state veterinary association

Rachel DiSesa, the administrative assistant to the dean at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, was recently named Citizen of the Year by a professional veterinarian association in Florida.

The Florida Veterinary Medical Association presented DiSesa with the award in April during its annual meeting in Orlando. The award is given to a non-veterinarian who has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the association and to the veterinary profession.

Awards are approved by a committee following a nomination process for members of the Florida Veterinary Medical Association.

DiSesa joined the staff at the UF veterinary college in 2007 from Jacksonville, where she worked as an executive assistant to the president of Sauer, Inc. She earned her bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Gainesville program.

She also has served on the board of directors for Executive Women International and the International Association of Administrative Professionals.

She also serves as the college’s chair for UF’s “Orange, Blue and You” and “Campaign for Charities” donation drives and as the college’s blood drive coordinator for LifeSouth Community Blood Centers.

Additionally, she has served on the board of directors for Planned Parenthood of North Florida since 2007.

“Rachel interfaces with the FVMA and its members more than most people appreciate,” said Glen Hoffsis, D.V.M., dean of the college and DiSesa’s supervisor. “She is often complimented for how helpful and professional she is in her interactions. She frequently goes the extra mile to be sure the needs of the program attendees and the FVMA are met.”