Two trustees welcomed to BSAVA Board of Officers
Niall Connell will take the role of junior vice president.
The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA) is to welcome two new trustees to its Board of Officers in June.
Niall Connell and Jo Megarity will be formally accepted into their posts at BSAVA's Annual General Meeting, which takes place on 19 June at Woodrow House, Gloucester.
Taking the role of junior vice president will be Niall Connell, a previous volunteer in BSAVA's volunteer development committee.
Dr Connell earned his BVMS degree in Glasgow, before entering mixed animal practice in Fife. He moved to PDSA in London, before returning to Glasgow.
For ten years, Dr Connell served on the council of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS). He was RCVS president from 2019 to 2020, before becoming RCVS treasurer for two years.
In 2022 he became FRCVS, in recognitions of his contributions to the veterinary profession. He is currently chair of the RCVS Fellowship Board and a trustee of the Scottish SSPCA.
Dr Connell said: “I am thrilled to be accepted for this role. BSAVA is an incredible organisation and their important work in the veterinary community has helped to empower me through most of my professional career.”
Jo Megarity RVN will accept the role of honorary treasurer, becoming the first veterinary nurse to join the BSAVA's Board of Officers.
Ms Megarity has worked in the veterinary industry since 2007. She has a special interest in rabbits, and provides rabbit specific CPD in the UK and abroad.
From 2019 to 2020, Ms Megarity was the president of the British Veterinary Nursing Association (BVNA). She is currently secretary of the Association of Zoo and Exotic Veterinary Nurses, and has been a BSAVA volunteer on the education committee for one and a half years.
Ms Megarity said: “It’s an honour to be the first ever nurse appointed as a BSAVA trustee and further shows the associations commitment to supporting the veterinary team approach; ensuring that nursing skill sets are both included and celebrated across all aspects of the association.”
Amanda Stranack, CEO at the BSAVA, said: “We are delighted to welcome Niall and Jo to the BSAVA Board of Officers.
“Their combined insight, experience and passion for the veterinary profession will be a huge asset as we continue to evolve. We look forward to the fresh perspectives they will bring to the Association’s strategic direction.”
Image © BSAVA
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
