Meet the IVMA Staff

Executive Director - Dr. Randy Wheeler
Dr. Wheeler grew up on his family’s Century farm in the Winterset area. He is a 1977 graduate of Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Dr. Wheeler was a mixed animal practitioner - owner for 30 years before becoming the Assistant State Veterinarian with the Iowa Department of Agriculture in 2006.  In 2013 he became the IVMA Executive Director.  Dr. Wheeler is a Past President of the IVMA, IVMA Foundation, ISU Vet Med Alumni Association, and the Veterinary Medical Executive Directors.  He was the 2010 IVMA Veterinarian of the Year. In his spare time he enjoys drawing (cartooning is his favorite!), working with his horses, and spending time with family.



Communications Specialist - Teresa Farrell
Teresa joined the IVMA in 2013.  She grew up in Eastern Iowa (Hawkeye Country!) and graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in marketing and journalism (Go State!). She and her husband Tony live in Ankeny and have three children, Emily, Connor, Aidan and a white ball of fur named Lolo. When she’s not working on the IVMA Update and Communiqué at the IVMA office, she can be found cheering on her kids at their sporting events and other activities.  In her spare time Teresa enjoys attending Cyclone games, biking, reading and trying out all the recipes she has pinned on her Pinterest boards.


 Executive Assistant - Tracy Grodnitzky
Tracy joined the IVMA in 2014.  She grew up in SW Minnesota and graduated from Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall, MN with a degree in history.  Tracy and her husband Justin live in Ames.  Their son, Alec and daughter Natalie both live and work in Chicago, IL.They also have a cat, Sandy, enjoy running, being outside and making family dinners together.


Office Manager - Shannon Nelson
Shannon joined the IVMA in 2023.  Prior to that, she and her husband worked together running their family’s construction company.  She grew up in the Des Moines area.  She lives in Ankeny with her husband Dan, their 2 sons Xander and Tucker, as well as their 4 crazy dogs; Simon, Charlie, Luna and Ozzy.   In her spare time, she enjoys being with family and friends, reading, and attending the sporting events of her boys, especially watching them both compete at American Ninja Warrior Jr. Style competitions.