Our Leadership

As a world leader in veterinary care, we foster an unparalleled support structure from our top leaders to each associate at every hospital.

  • Veterinary Leadership

    Daniel Aja, DVM

    Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

    Dr. Daniel Aja leads Banfield’s internal and external veterinary medicine initiatives. Prior to joining Banfield in 2014, Dr. Aja served as director of professional and veterinary affairs at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. He brings 26 years of experience in private practice, including 22 years as owner of the Cherry Bend Animal Hospital in Traverse City, Michigan. Dr. Aja earned his veterinary medical degree from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Michigan State University. Dr. Aja and his wife are the proud owners of three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels named Bayley, Thyme and Troy.

    Karen K. Faunt, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM

    Vice President of Veterinary Quality Operations

    Dr. Karen Faunt is responsible for leading Banfield’s veterinary medical quality advancement while developing a system that supports the quality goals of the practice. Dr. Faunt joined Banfield in 2002 as a medical advisor. She earned her veterinary medical degree from the Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and is board certified in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Dr. Faunt resides in Portland, Oregon, with her partner, Robert, their two dogs and two cats.

    Molly McAllister, DVM, MPH

    Vice President of Veterinary Science

    Dr. Molly McAllister is responsible for leading data-based research to support medical decision-making and to help advance knowledge within the veterinary profession. Dr. McAllister earned her veterinary medicine degree from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine and a master’s in public health from University of Minnesota. She and her husband have two children and many pets. They live in Vancouver, Washington, where they enjoy the great hiking, birding, food, and drink of the Pacific Northwest.

  • Executive Leadership

      Brian Garish

      President

      As president of Banfield Pet Hospital, Brian Garish leads the vision and strategic direction of the practice. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Indiana University in Indianapolis, and serves on the board of the Banfield Foundation. Brian resides in Portland, Oregon, and enjoys reading, as well as playing tennis and basketball.

      Jim Ashby

      Chief Operating Officer

      Jim Ashby leads operations for Banfield’s growing network of more than 1,000 hospitals. He provides strategic direction for future business growth, including new hospital openings and acquired practices, by overseeing hospital operations, facilities, real estate and construction. Jim earned his bachelor’s degree in biology and Spanish from University of Redlands and MBA from San Diego State University. He and his wife have four children and a Cavapoo named Buddy. Jim enjoys reading, travel and a game of golf in his spare time.

      Ludek Janousek

      Chief Financial Officer

      Ludek Janousek oversees Banfield’s financial division. He is responsible for providing strategic oversight and direction for various financial functions including governance, payroll, accounting, tax and treasury. Ludek has a master’s degree in International Business from University of Economics in Prague, Czech Republic, and in his free time enjoys sports, technology and travel. He and his family relocated from Singapore to Camas, Washington.

      Alison Hiatt

      Chief Marketing Officer

      Alison Hiatt is responsible for leading Banfield’s brand management, product and service development (including Optimum Wellness Plans), and advertising, as well as client experience, client insights and client communications. She has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Portland State University and a master’s degree in marketing from Texas A&M University. Alison enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest with her family and their two German Shorthaired Pointers, Elwood and Jake.

      Stephanie Neuvirth

      Senior Vice President, People & Organization

      Stephanie Neuvirth is responsible for the leadership, vision and strategic planning for all People and Organization (P&O), including Associate Relations, Human Resource Systems, Recruiting, Compensation, Benefits, and Talent and Learning. Prior to joining Banfield, Stephanie held HR leadership roles with City of Hope, Mars Food, Mars Petcare, the Walt Disney Company and Advantage Sales and Marketing. She is a graduate of the University of Denver and holds a master's in business administration from U.S. International University. Stephanie and her husband have two daughters and a Beagle named Lucy.

Our Support Structure

Each hospital team has the support of medical and business professionals dedicated to keeping the hospital running smoothly, so the team can focus on quality pet health care and partnering with pet owners.

Pet Owners

From our Ask-a-Vet feature to a wealth of free pet health resources, we provide the latest pet health information to help owners take the best care of their furry friends.

Hospital Teams

Each Banfield hospital team has the backing of hundreds of professionals, including internal and external medical specialists, medical directors and field directors.

Field Support

Each hospital draws on the expertise of dedicated medical and business professionals to keep their hospital running smoothly, including a medical director, a field director for business support and learning managers.

Central Team Support

Banfield veterinarians also have the backing of hundreds of professionals at our practice headquarters in Portland who help each practice stay at the forefront of evidence-based veterinary medicine.