Registered Veterinary Nurse Georgina “George” Hills, has been elected President of the Veterinary Management Group (VMG), the professional association for all those in leadership and management roles in the veterinary sector.
Since qualifying as an RVN in 1998, George Hills has fulfilled a variety of veterinary management roles, including head nurse, business support manager and regional operations manager. She is currently practice director for Irby and Neston Vets in Cheshire. She joined the VMG Board in 2016 and takes over as President from Richard Casey, who becomes senior vice president of the association. Stuart Saunders, practice manager at Devon-based Selworthy Vets, becomes junior vice president. All will serve a one-year term.
Commenting, George Hills said: “Becoming a manager or leader has an impact on the individual, but has an even stronger impact on the work and day-to-day experience of those around them. These roles therefore bring with them a great responsibility to do them well. For some, this responsibility can cause additional stress and concern.
“We know from our members that the support, teaching, coaching and other resources that the VMG offers are making a positive difference and I’m particularly excited to take on the presidency following the recent launch of our Certificate of Veterinary Leadership & Management, an accredited taught qualification. I believe rigorous qualifications are the most effectively way to create the 21st century leaders and managers the veterinary sector needs.
“During my presidency, I will continue to focus on extending the range of support and help we offer to leaders and managers.
“I’m also keen to explore how we can collaborate with colleagues in other countries, following our successful partnership with the Veterinary Business Academy of Romania.”
She added: “Rich has been a tremendous president during two unprecedented years. On behalf of the VMG, I would like to thank him for the fantastic contribution he has made and I’m looking forward to working with him, Stuart and the rest of the VMG board during my presidency.”
The VMG is the professional association for all those in leadership and management roles in the veterinary sector. It aims to empower and equip veterinary leaders and their organisations to learn, share, and grow.