Marsha L. Heinke, DVM, EA, CPA, CVPM
Dr. Heinke has dedicated her time and energy to the veterinary profession through the accounting and consulting practice she founded in 2003, Marsha L. Heinke, CPA, Inc., the predecessor to BFH, CPAs, Inc. (Braid-Forthofer-Heinke). The firm serves veterinarians, practice managers, practices and industry partners that support the veterinary profession.
She graduated with honors from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1979, then entered mixed practice. That experience sparked an interest in practice management and further business education.
Dr. Heinke became a Certified Public Accountant in 1992, and in 1993 she became the first veterinarian certified as a Veterinary Hospital Manager. Between 1990 and 2003 she served as director of consulting services at Owen E. McCafferty, CPA, Inc. In 2003, she established Marsha L. Heinke, CPA, Inc., in Grafton, Ohio.
She has presented more than 250 practice and financial management topics at regional, national and international veterinary conferences and published more than 125 articles in various veterinary publications. She is the author of two books: Chart of Accounts for Equine Veterinary Practices (AAEP) and Practice Made Perfect: A Complete Guide to Veterinary Practice Management.
She has played a significant role within Veterinary Management Groups (VMG), an organization of peer-to-peer study groups of veterinary hospital owners. She was the facilitator for the first equine practice study group, VMG 3, and has continued to facilitate additional equine VMG groups over the past two decades.
Alongside her professional work, Dr. Heinke promotes farm and woodland conservation and historic preservation in the Grafton, Ohio, community. She enjoys riding her horses and caring for the many animals on her farm. On many weekends she travels to compete in reining and Western dressage events.
Mentee Comments:
I met Marsha in the fall of 2003 at the first meeting of VMG 7, a veterinary management group dedicated to equine practice. Marsha was a natural facilitator: a DVM with 14 years of mixed practice experience, a lifelong equestrian and a CPA who founded an accounting firm specializing in veterinary management and finance.
VMG 7 brought 21 equine practice owners together from across the country for a 3½-day meeting. We expected to share balance sheets and profit statements, but none of us knew how much more we would share. Since 2003 Marsha has continued to lead a biannual self-study process that digs deep into numbers and policies while fostering self-awareness and fellowship. Strong bonds and lasting friendships emerged as members shared business successes and challenges. All of us came to realize that every equine practice is more than its numbers — it is a family.
The chef behind that “secret sauce” was Marsha. She provided guidance without grandstanding, feedback without judgment and support without sentiment. Under her leadership members learned to lean on each other as well as her expertise. She brought humor and empathy to every discussion. Over 22 years she has mentored 33 members, and 12 of the original 21 practices remain on the 2025 roster. Her coaching, knowledge and broad network inspired many of us to “pay it forward” to help colleagues grow their practices and strengthen their teams.
Marsha has enriched our profession through her books, articles and numerous presentations at AAEP and other conferences. Thousands of practitioners have learned from her, and hundreds of practices have benefited from her firm’s services. Through it all she remains a kind, humble friend who relates to anyone. In her spare time, she has made countless trips to Central America to support Amigos de los Animales de Guanajuato, providing spay/neuter procedures and education to help animals in central Mexico.
Thank you for everything you have done for your AAEP colleagues and for animals everywhere, Marsha.
—Ann E. Dwyer, DVM
Thank you for your valuable mentorship over the many years. We could not have done it without you. Marsha, thank you for your friendship, guidance and mentorship.
—Dr. Michael and Jean Martin, San Antonio, TX
A great mentor leaves an imprint not by directing every step, but by illuminating the path. We extend our deepest gratitude to Dr. Heinke for challenging us to think critically, encouraging us to reach higher and leading with unwavering integrity. Her mentorship has shaped not only our professional journeys, but the way we serve the veterinary profession — with purpose, compassion and excellence.
We are profoundly grateful for the many years spent under her guidance and deeply honored to carry forward the torch she has entrusted to us. Her influence has strengthened our profession in immeasurable ways, and her legacy will continue to ripple through the countless lives her mentorship has touched.
—Jennifer M. Braid, CPA, EA & Rachel A. Forthofer, CPA
Marsha deserves this honor for many reasons: she has mentored me and countless others, convincing us of the value of the work we do. Through challenges, corporate buyers, uncertain markets and more, she has been a steady light illuminating the financial worth of veterinary practice. She supports solo practitioners and large groups alike with fact-based analysis and strong business practices.
She has also been an invaluable team member for my Project Samana in the Dominican Republic, donating her services, time and resources to this and many other organizations. She exemplifies the strength and value of veterinary practices in a complicated world. There is no one more deserving.
—Jay G. Merriam, DVM
Dr. Marsha Heinke has been an integral part of our VMG group since its inception, and her impact on me — both professionally and personally — has been profound. Through her thoughtful guidance, insightful perspective and steady leadership, she has helped me grow into a better leader and a more effective business owner.
Marsha is far more than a facilitator; she is a trusted colleague, a guiding light, and a true friend. Her ability to challenge us while supporting us has shaped the success of our group and of each of us within it. I am deeply grateful for her dedication to those of us who chose the equine practice path.
—Amy Rath Leibeck, DVM