Recognized for his steadfast advocacy for veterinary technicians and service in his rural Montana community
ORLANDO, Fla. (Jan. 29, 2026) - Today’s Veterinary Nurse, NAVC and CareCredit honor Eli Olind, LVT, as the 2025 Clinic Champion of the Year. Olind earned this distinction for his tireless advocacy for veterinary technicians in the state of Montana and exemplary care for small and large animals in his community.
Olind, of Whitehall, Montana, recently launched his own company, Z Lazy S Relief Services, through which he provides relief support for mixed-animal practices. He is also the 2025 president of the American Association of Equine Veterinary Technicians and Assistants and a past-president of the Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association.
Olind started volunteering with the Big Sky Veterinary Technician Association in 2013, playing a key role as the association advocated for the licensure of veterinary technicians under the Montana State Veterinary Board and the establishment of a scope of practice for Licensed Veterinary Technicians. They achieved their goals after seven years of advocacy. In this video, Olind discusses his career working in rural clinics and his advocacy work.
“Being recognized as a Clinic Champion is an amazing honor,” said Olind. “It makes the years of hard work and dedication to the profession of Veterinary Technology worth all the trying times that it has brought and will bring in the future. Advanced recognition of this profession may be slow to come but it will always be worth pushing for.”
Whether he is prepping a Pekingese or a quarter horse for anesthesia, Olind utilizes the full range of his training working in a mixed-animal setting. His work serves as a reminder of the vital service licensed technicians and all veterinary professionals provide for members of rural communities, from pet owners to ranchers.
“Eli's story proves that progress is possible when individuals come together to take on a challenge,” said NAVC Chief Media and Sales Officer Laura C.S. Walker, CAE. “We are proud to honor Eli not only for his work in advancing his profession, but also for the valuable care he provides for animals of any size.”
The Clinic Champions program was developed by NAVC in 2021 to shine a light on the veterinary nurses/technicians who make a positive impact on their clients, patients, coworkers and greater community every day. These stories are common in the veterinary community, but often overlooked. Today’s Veterinary Nurse honors a veterinary nurse/technician in each issue for their contributions in community service, scholarship, advocacy, or innovation.
The Clinic Champions program, sponsored by CareCredit, is part of NAVC's Veterinary Nurse/Technician Empowerment Initiative, which aims to elevate and advance veterinary nurses and credentialed technicians. This initiative encompasses a wide range of programs that offer new resources and tools for veterinary nurses/technicians, encourage the next generation of these veterinary professionals and bring together leaders from across the veterinary industry to address the challenges facing the veterinary nurse/technician profession.
About Today’s Veterinary Nurse
Today’s Veterinary Nurse (TVN) is an official journal of the North American Veterinary Community (NAVC). TVN provides world-class continuing professional development and support services designed specifically for veterinary nurses and technicians. With practical peer-reviewed, state-of-the-art companion animal nursing and technical educational CE, TVN is dedicated to improving and supporting the skill set and professional development of veterinary nurses and assistants as they advance their career. TVN is published quarterly (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall) and is available as a free resource in print and digital editions for qualifying professionals.
About NAVC
The North American Veterinary Community (NAVC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing veterinary professionals worldwide. As the world’s leading provider of veterinary continuing education, NAVC delivers essential training, tools and resources for veterinary professionals to stay abreast of advances in animal medicine and provide the best care for animals everywhere. Through its commitment to innovation and excellence, NAVC has developed a diverse portfolio of products and services, including: educational events, headlined by VMX (Veterinary Meeting & Expo), the world’s largest, most comprehensive continuing education conference and launchpad for new products and innovations within the veterinary industry; VetFolio.com, a robust digital platform for virtual learning and engagement; NAVC Media, the veterinary industry’s largest and award-winning portfolio of trade publications; and Embrace, an advocacy arm which unites the veterinary community and pet lovers. The NAVC was founded in 1982 and is headquartered in Orlando, FL. To learn more about NAVC’s products and brands, visit https://navc.com/. To see our schedule of upcoming events, visit https://navc.com/calendar/.
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