Susan Ruland, director of finance and operations, has been named the next director of the Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA).

“I appreciate Susan's capable leadership of the hospital as interim director this past year and her many contributions as director of finance and operations since joining the college,” said Lorin D. Warnick, D.V.M., Ph.D. ’94, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “She is a trusted colleague whose deep understanding of hospital services will keep Cornell at the forefront of veterinary care for years to come.”

Ruland has been serving as interim director of the hospital since March 2025. Her time with CUHA has seen tremendous growth and change, notably following the COVID-19 pandemic, which altered operations shortly after her arrival. In addition to hospital financial and operations leadership, Ruland has overseen the development of a new licensed veterinary technician (LVT) internship program that led to a robust professional development track for LVTs. Ruland is noted for her persistent work in staff development and has long been a mentor, fostering a strong community that spans across the hospital and into the college at large.

“One of the hospital’s great strengths is the ability of our professionals to provide amazing clinical care while also collaborating on training the next generation of veterinarians, from interns and residents to students,” Ruland said.

Ruland earned her dual bachelor's degree in language arts and business administration from the University of Connecticut and holds an M.B.A. from the University of San Fransico. Before her time at Cornell, she spent many years on the West Coast in the private sector, including with Frito Lay and Napa Valley transportation company Zephyr Express. She then moved into the veterinary world as director of hospital operations for SAGE Veterinary Centers, a veterinary group spanning five states. In 2019, Ruland joined Cornell to become the director of finance and operations at CUHA, where she has led clinical service, business and administrative operations. In 2024, she was awarded the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service.

Ruland succeeds Dr. Meg Thompson, who served as hospital director from 2016-2025, and Dr. Tim Hackett, acting director in winter 2025.

“Susan has been a terrific partner in advancing CUHA’s many missions. Her leadership, service background, business acumen and extensive veterinary management experience give her the tools to excel in this important role,” said Hackett, the Alexander de Lahunta Chair of the Department of Clinical Sciences.

Primarily operating out of Ithaca, CUHA also includes Cornell Ruffian Equine Specialists in Elmont, New York, and has strong relationships with Cornell University Veterinary Specialists in Stamford, Connecticut. The CUHA hospital caseload reached over 39 thousand annual cases in 2025, a record high. Ruland will continue to work closely with associate hospital directors Dr. Casey Cazer, Dr. Nadine Fiani and Dr. Gillian Perkins, as well as with Dr. Tim Hackett and Dr. Jessica McArt as department chairs.

“I’m motivated to continue the hospital’s efforts to provide service to the community and increase our clients’ access to care through patient assistance and strategic payment options,” Ruland said. “Together we are balancing the financial pressures facing veterinary care, our core teaching needs and our hospital’s role as a resource for Central New York and the Southern Tier.”

Ruland is an avid animal lover, and recently said goodbye to her beloved special needs cat, Augie. She lives in Ithaca with her husband Tim, a retired San Francisco police officer.

Written by Melanie Greaver Cordova