CityVet Strengthens Veterinarian-Led Support Team with Regional Vice President Additions

CityVet, a leading network of veterinarian-owned practices, has expanded its clinical development leadership team with the addition of Ben Haas, DVM, MBA, and Lauren Pastewka, DVM, who both join as regional vice presidents of clinical and partner success. In their roles, Haas and Pastewka will provide direct support to Lead Partner Veterinarians (LVP) across the country, strengthening clinical development, operational support and doctor experience as CityVet continues its nationwide expansion.

Both leaders work closely with Dr. Paul Kline, Chief Veterinary Officer, and Dr. Erin Tate, Vice President of Clinical Development, as part of CityVet’s growing Clinical Operations and Development team.

“Ben and Lauren bring deep clinical expertise, strong operational leadership, and a shared passion for supporting veterinarians as true practice owners,” said Dr. Dennis Horter, Chief Operating Officer at CityVet. “Their combined experience across multi-unit operations, clinical quality, and hospital growth will strengthen our ability to serve our Lead Partner Veterinarians and ensure our teams have what they need to deliver exceptional care. They exemplify what it means to build a veterinarian-first culture, and we are thrilled to welcome them to CityVet.”

Dr. Ben Haas, Regional VP of Clinical and Partner Success

Dr. Ben Haas joins CityVet with more than 23 years of leadership experience in the veterinary profession, including roles overseeing large regional networks, supporting medical directors, expanding services, and opening de novo hospitals. His background includes clinical operations leadership at United Veterinary Care and more than a decade of multi-state medical operations oversight at MedVet and Banfield Pet Hospital.

Haas was drawn to CityVet’s unique veterinarian-led model and ownership philosophy. “What immediately stood out to me about CityVet was its commitment to keeping veterinarians at the center of decision-making,” said Haas. “Having been in practice myself, I understand what doctors experience each day. My goal is to be a resource and sounding board, someone who can help them navigate challenges, build strong teams, and ultimately build the kind of practice they’re proud to own.”

A central part of Haas’ work will be strengthening connectivity and collaboration among CityVet’s Lead Veterinarian Partners. “Our LVPs have incredibly diverse backgrounds and knowledge bases. When we create opportunities for them to connect, share ideas, and support one another, the entire region benefits. Part of my job is making sure they have access to that community, because it makes us stronger as a whole.”

Dr. Lauren Pastewka, Regional VP of Clinical and Partner Success

Dr. Lauren Pastewka brings extensive clinical leadership, operational expertise, and multi-location management experience to CityVet. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for O’Brien Veterinary Group, and Chief Veterinary Officer at NewDay Veterinary Care at Pet Paradise prior to that. Her work has included leading multi-state hospital operations, implementing financial and clinical performance systems, guiding de novo expansion, and building medical advisory structures.

Pastewka was inspired by CityVet’s partnership-forward model and the opportunity to build a comprehensive medical operations team from the ground up. “The partnership model is what truly inspired me to join CityVet,” said Pastewka. “Our veterinarians are the heartbeat of each clinic, and my focus is ensuring they have the support, resources, and community they need to run their practice the way they envision. White-coat-to-white-coat conversations matter and maintaining that connection to the clinic allows me to better support their day-to-day realities.”

Aligned Support for Doctors Across the System

In their new roles, Haas and Pastewka will support Lead Veterinarian Partners through new-clinic openings, workflow optimization, staffing and financial guidance, recruiting support, and ongoing clinical and business mentorship as partners grow their locally owned practices.

They will also help strengthen CityVet’s doctor community nationwide by building communication pathways and encouraging peer-to-peer engagement, ensuring Lead Veterinarian Partners feel connected, not only to their individual clinics, but to a larger network of colleagues across the CityVet system.

With their addition, CityVet continues to build a robust, veterinarian-led support structure designed to elevate clinical standards, enhance communication, and empower doctors to thrive as practice owners. “CityVet was built on the belief that veterinarians should lead the profession,” said Dr. Horter. “Ben and Lauren will play a critical role in empowering our doctors, elevating clinical standards, and supporting the growth of our partner-owned practices nationwide.”