Sarah Rumple Mahan will join Today’s Veterinary Business as editor-in-chief, becoming the second editorial leader of the publication since its launch. She succeeds founding editor Ken Niedziela, who will retire in April. Niedziela helped launch the publication in 2017 and has led its editorial direction ever since. Under his direction, Today’s Veterinary Business has grown into a leading resource for veterinary professionals and won dozens of awards.
Rumple Mahan brings nearly 15 years of veterinary industry writing and editing experience to this role. Her career began in 2011 when she joined the American Animal Hospital Association as a marketing copywriter. In 2016, Sarah founded Rumpus Writing and Editing, a veterinary-specific copywriting agency that quickly became an industry leader in veterinary writing services.
In the following Q&A, Rumple Mahan shares insights on her goals for the position.
How did your career path lead you to writing about animal health?
I’ve always loved to write, but I didn’t think of it as a viable career option until I was 29 years old. I had decided that my first adult career — respiratory therapy — wasn’t for me, and I was back in school working toward a bachelor’s degree in communication at the University of Colorado Denver. One of my professors encouraged me to apply for an editorial internship at Denver’s 5280 Magazine. After the internship ended and I graduated, I landed a job as a marketing copywriter with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). I loved writing and animals, so it seemed like it would be a good fit. During my five years at AAHA, I met a ton of industry people and fell in love with vet med. Fifteen years later, that love is still going strong.
Do you have any pets of your own?
Of course! I have the pleasure (usually) of living with three rescues who, coincidentally, were all born in 2016 and are approaching 10 years old. Karl is a sweet mixed-breed dog who doesn’t know his own strength when walking on a leash — I swear, he might pull my arm out of its socket someday. Winnie is a beautiful, neurotic Aussiedoodle we rescued from a veterinarian friend in Kansas City (hi, Dr. Wallis!) at the height of COVID. Leo is a domestic shorthair we adopted as a kitten. I call him the “canine kitty” because many of his behaviors were clearly picked up from his canine siblings.
What drew you to write for Today’s Veterinary Business initially, and what attracted you to the role of Editor-in-Chief?
While working for AAHA, I often wrote industry-facing practice management content. In early 2017, I had recently started my veterinary copywriting business when a colleague introduced me to Ken Niedziela, who was launching Today’s Veterinary Business with the NAVC. About a year later, my first piece for the magazine was published, and I’ve written regularly for Ken and Today’s Veterinary Business ever since.
Over the past 15 years, I’ve heard countless veterinarians say that they didn’t learn business skills in vet school. TVB helps to fill that void, educating veterinarians, practice managers, technicians, and others on important business and leadership topics. Ken has created a well-known and respected industry publication, and when he told me that he planned to retire, I knew I wanted to be his successor. I’m grateful to the NAVC for the opportunity and honored to continue what Ken started with Today’s Veterinary Business.
What are your short-term and long-term goals for the publication?
In the short term, my goal is continuity. TVB is trusted, familiar, and well respected, and I want readers to feel confident that the publication they rely on isn’t changing overnight. That means maintaining the practical, data-driven, and approachable tone Ken established while continuing to deliver timely coverage of the business, economic, and leadership issues shaping veterinary medicine.
Long term, I see TVB becoming an even more essential resource for veterinary leaders. I want to expand coverage of topics like workforce challenges, ownership models, technology and AI, financial literacy, and leadership development, while continuing to ground those conversations in real-world practice realities. I’d also love to explore new formats and voices over time, ensuring the magazine remains relevant, accessible, and genuinely useful to veterinary professionals and industry leaders.
How do you think TVB can support veterinary professionals?
Veterinary professionals are facing extraordinary pressures right now, and no single publication can solve those challenges. But TVB can help by providing clarity. My goal is for readers to come away from each issue feeling better informed, less alone, and more confident in the business decisions they’re making.
That support starts with practical, actionable content that respects how busy veterinary professionals are. It also means acknowledging the realities of modern veterinary medicine and balancing optimism with honesty. Whether it’s breaking down complex economic trends, highlighting innovative practice strategies, or elevating voices from across the profession, TVB can serve as a steady, trusted guide in a constantly evolving industry.
How can readers share their thoughts on the publication?
I always welcome and appreciate story ideas, feedback, and letters to the editor. Readers can contact me anytime at editor@navc.com.