Tricia Montgomery who is recognized nationwide for her expertise in combining efforts to improve Dogs’ Health & Wellness along with their Owners Health has accepted the position of CEO for Paws and is relocating to Columbus Georgia. Tricia Montgomery is the Founder and former CEO of K9 Fit Club. She is recognized as a pioneer and leading expert in human/canine fitness. Her diverse experience in veterinary medicine, public relations, the pet industry and personal training, along with her own weight loss journey, gave her the perfect combination of skills to create a nationwide community of Master Trainers and Clubs – dedicated to the health, fitness, and wellness, giving both dogs and owners a New Leash on Life®.

During her tenure as CEO, Montgomery led the company to 80 locations and worked with leading experts to create standards of excellence for over 20, science-based parallel programs for both canines and humans. Her work led to recognition and accreditations by leading veterinary, fitness, medical and animal behavior organizations. Additionally, K9 Fit Club and there programs were the first to be recognized by human insurance companies, accepting wellness credits for pets as prescription, through Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare and Medicare.

Prior to creating K9 Fit Club, Ms. Montgomery served as the Public Education Director and Executive Director for the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association, where she led the association to record memberships and national recognition for their innovative ideas. Montgomery understood the importance of creating strong ties with governmental agencies, animal shelters, the community and media to benefit the non-for-profit agency. Her innovative ideas led to the first Dog Days of Summer with the Chicago White Sox, Sit, Stay & Read and Mardi Growl: The Bark Heard 'Round the Country, the event to benefit orphaned and homeless animals in the devastated New Orleans. The monumental event served as a model for similar fund-raising events across the United States.

Ms. Montgomery has built lasting relationships, and has been featured on, the Today Show, USA Today, Dateline News, NPR, MSNBC, Good Morning America, FOX News, Oprah, Women’s Health, Dog Fancy, Self Magazine, Huffington Post  to mention a few. She served as host of “Sit, Stay & Get Fit”, a weekly show on Direct TV.

Montgomery has 20+ years of award-winning executive leadership in Health & Wellness, Medical Education, Veterinary Associations, and Pet Health and Nutrition. She has expertise in TV, Media, Public Appearances, Speaking Engagements, Live Shows and Community Events.  Montgomery also served as a research investigator for Purdue University, Healthy People 2020 and the groundbreaking, Pet & Parent Obesity Conference with the Center for Disease Control and assists with healthy initiatives in communities around the country. Montgomery contributes her expertise to many news organizations and media outlets around the country. Montgomery has a passion for reaching audiences, giving voice to causes, connecting with people, building relationships and changing lives.