The American Association of Equine Practitionerspresented its 2025 George Stubbs Award toTracey Forfa, JD, MDiv,recently retireddirector of the FDAs Center for Veterinary Medicinewho,since joining the CVM in2002,wasinstrumental in guidingthe AAEPs policy on compounded medications and other matters related to equine veterinary pharmaceuticals.Named for the late artist and educator George Stubbs, the award recognizes a nonveterinarian who has contributedsubstantially toequine veterinary medicine through leadership, product development, public service, public policy development, volunteerism, advocacy,researchor education. Forfa accepted her award Dec. 9 during the Presidents Luncheon at the AAEPs 71stAnnual Convention in Denver, Colorado.Throughout her 32-year tenure with the FDA, Forfaadvocated forpolicies servingthe best interests ofthe horseand veterinarymedicine.In her role as liaison between the FDA, their stakeholders and the AAEP, sheworked cooperatively toensure that enacted policieswere fair,ethicalandupheldthe welfare of the horse.Forfas influence and leadershipwasespeciallybeneficialin theoversightandmanufacture of compounded medicationsto ensuretheirsafeand ethical use.As part of her efforts, she helped AAEP craft guidanceforits membersonappropriateuseof these medications.In her letter of supportofJim Moreheads, DVM,nominationof Tracey Forfa, AAEP Past PresidentAnn Dwyer, DVMsaid,Ms.Forfaprovidedclear guidanceon difficult issues which helped us make some tough decisions about the AAEP relationship with compounders. Her perspective was extremely valuable in crafting member communicationsand guiding members toward responsible relationships with ethical compounders. As a result, the welfare ofthehorsehas benefitedbecause regulations have evolved to support product quality and guardrails are in place to assure ethical business relationsbetween pharmacies and consumers.Forfa was appointed director of the FDA CVM in February 2023afterservingin multipleleadership roles.Sheretired in April 2025.Prior to joining the CVM in 2002, she supported the FDAs mission in other capacities. She joined the agency in 1993 as a member of the regulations and policy staff at the FDAs Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research. In 1996, she joined the Office of the Chief Mediator and Ombudsman, working on productjurisdictionand external dispute resolution.