SVC Board Leadership
SVC aims to deliver a trusted organisation through capable, integrous and diverse leadership, good governance, and lived values.
We use a Board Capability and Diversity matrix to guide appointment of up to nine volunteer Directors who meet our organisation’s and our sector’s needs. Our Board matrix was refined in response to SVC’s 2021 survey, and is regularly reviewed to ensure SVC’s leadership remains well aligned to our veterinary environment and SVC’s strategic direction.
Additional representation of stakeholders’ perspectives is written into our SVC Constitution, through the voting rights of the SVC community. To keep everyone informed about how we make decisions and guide activities, SVC also maintains a transparent Policy Library.
SVC’s current Board of Directors are:
David is a veterinarian with significant knowledge and experience in business psychology, management and governance.
He’s worked in mixed and small animal practice in NSW for over 30 years and is a founder of the Newcastle Animal Referral and Emergency Centre. He’s also a Member (by examination) of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in both Small Animal Medicine and Emergency and Critical Care, has a Masters degree in Business Psychology, is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is undertaking post graduate studies in Law.
David’s certification in Performance Management and Management of Cash Flow, Profit and Value brings financial oversight skill to roles as Honorary Treasurer of the Council of ANZCVS, and the AVA NSW Executive Committee. David’s also immersed in clinical and non-clinical continuing veterinary education and support as an administrator of the Australian Veterinary Network Facebook group, an AVA New Graduate mentee and RECOVER trainer.
Committed to the pursuit of a strong and sustainable veterinary sector, David understands the importance of systems which empower, develop and reward individuals. SVC’s organisational values are reflected by his growth mindset, inclusive and respectful teamwork and considered, ethical business management.
David has professional associations with:
Animal Referral and Emergency Centre, Newcastle NSW
Australian Veterinary Association, NSW Division
Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Science Council
Gavin is a forward-thinking digital program manager and technology leader.
With a background in information systems in the Australian Army, he has significant experience in delivering intuitive, integrated and large-scale digital customer experiences for VicRoads, Officeworks, Victoria’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He’s also worked with Chartered Practicing Accountants (CPA) Australia to oversee a full review and ongoing revision of their continuing education platform.
Gavin holds a Masters in Business Administration, received a Brooks Scholar Medal as one of the top two Deakin MBA graduates annually, and is a certified AGILE project manager and Scrum Master. Gavin brings a unique and highly valued mix of strategic thinking and practical implementation experience to SVC. He leads inclusively and effectively and is passionate about improving mental health.
Jane has worked within the veterinary sector for forty years, in roles spanning nursing, practice ownership, pharmaceutical sales, management, professional associations, advising nationally endorsed training, speaking and consulting on management of veterinary practices. She’s a past President of the Australian Veterinary Business Association and is a life member and past President of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia. She also volunteers her time supporting the Vets for Climate Action not-for-profit group.
Jane has been instrumental in developing, enhancing, coordinating and accrediting various veterinary education programs and events throughout her career. As the industry blossoms, Jane provides veterinary personnel with guidance to meet new challenges and higher customer-driven standards, ensuring team members have an understanding and celebration of the Human Animal Bond.
Building positive-culture workplaces and bonding veterinary teams is her raison d’être. Jane believes that to make the necessary fundamental changes required to strengthen the veterinary professions, we must take care of all the wonderful individuals in the sector and help them to enjoy their veterinary career.
Jane has professional associations with:
Sane Management Solutions for Veterinary Practices consulting
Vets for Climate Action
Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia
Kate is a veterinarian with over 20 years’ experience in mixed and small animal regional practice in Australia and the UK, and is a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists (Small Animal Medicine). Kate brings strategic planning, leadership, communication and governance skills from her Masters of Business Administration, service on various community councils, the global Homeward Bound project and as an Australian Institute of Company Directors Graduate.
She has a particular interest in empowering people through contemporary leadership and great human resource management. Kate works to evolve workplace and professional systems and culture through roles as Deputy President of the Vet Board in Victoria and as a Board representative on the Australasian Veterinary Boards Council Sustainable Practice Committee. She continues to be closely involved with clinical veterinary practice as her husband co-owns a multisite GP practice west of Melbourne. She’s also responsible for developing the AVA’s Great Veterinary Workplaces Policy and Guidelines for the AVA Veterinary Business Group.
Kate has professional associations with:
Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria
Australasian Veterinary Boards’ Council, Sustainable Practice Committee
Australian Veterinary Association, Veterinary Business Group
Bacchus Marsh Veterinary Centre, Victoria
Engaged Solutions P/L Vet Management Consulting