Meet the Team

Tracy Sheffield

Tracy Sheffield has over 25 years of experience in veterinary practice management. During this time she has managed a wide variety of practice issues from large problems such as practice growth, how and when to add additional doctors, strategies in practice remodeling and keeping a practice running in the face of a natural disaster. While large problems of this scope are important it is often the little issues of day to day practice such as end of day procedures or telephone techniques that can erode practice profitability is not properly managed.

Tracy has twice been a top ten national finalist for the honor of Practice Manager of the Year. She is widely published in the industry including Veterinary Economics, DVM360, The Veterinary Business Journal, Veterinary Technician and others.

Tracy conducted original research on the state of the veterinary work environment and presented her findings at the AAEP conference in San Francisco in 2018. This presentation was highly praised in the Spring 2019 issue of EquiManagement. She also gave a presentation to AAEVT on the topic of transitioning from technician to manager.

Tracy takes a very hands on approach with issues on getting new clients in the door, staff training and the work environment and financial safeguards. Tracy also has extensive experience in keeping a practice relevant in the digital age.

In addition to consulting and speaking Tracy currently manages a three doctor mixed animal practice in Wimberley, Texas. This keeps her perspective on current issues facing doctor owned veterinary practices and how to keep them profitable.

Lew Walker

Lew Walker was formerly the Vice-President of client support and business development for Celectiv. In this role, he was responsible for providing outstanding service to Celectiv’s clients and growing the customer base.

Previously Lew was Vice-President of Human Resources for AT&T. He and his team supported the organizations lead by the Senior Executive Vice-President, the Chief Financial Officer, the Group President of Strategy and Technology, and the Senior Executive Vice-President of Technology Operations. Prior to this role, Lew was Vice-President of Learning Services, and was responsible for the initial and continual training for AT&T’s 265,000 employees and the outsourced vendors across the globe.

Under Lew’s leadership, AT&T Learning Services Organization received widespread recognition. Chief Learning Officer Magazine named AT&T’s Learning Services the top company for their inaugural Learning Elite Award in 2011. They also received one of the five editor’s choice award for best business support. In 2012 they tied for second place, but in 2013 AT&T was again named the top company and was one of two companies placed in the magazine’s inaugural Hall of Fame.

Berlin and Associates recognized AT&T Learning Services in 2012 in three of their learning leader categories. Lew also received the 2011 Next Generation Award from Women in Technology International (WITI).

Lew has forged a successful and diverse career. In 1995 he was named Vice-President of Human Resources for Southwestern Bell Mobile Systems. When Cingular Wireless was formed in 2000, Lew was appointed Vice-President Human Resources Operations and Labor Relations. He played a profound role in the creation and launch of Cingular Wireless. In addition, in 2004 Lew was the Human Resources executive leading the purchase and merger integration with AT&T Wireless. After Cingular Wireless was merged with AT&T, Lew was named Vice-President of Human Resources for AT&T’s wireless and consumer organization. Lew has also played key roles in the acquisition of Pacific Bell, Ameritech, and DIRECTV, as well as many other companies.

Before these roles, Lew was Director of Human Resources for Associated Communications’ Cellular One properties. Prior to these roles Lew held operational and human resource roles with CVS/Pharmacy. Lew is a published author and has spoken at numerous industry events from keynote speaker, panelist, and facilitator. Lew has a Bachelor’s degree and has the designation of Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) from the Society of Human Resources.