Vet council appoints new CEO and registrar
The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has appointed Dr. Victoria Brownlee as chief executive officer (CEO) and registrar.
She succeeds Niamh Muldoon, who stepped down as VCI chief executive and registrar earlier this year after seven years in the role.
Dr. Brownlee joins the VCI from the Higher Education Authority (HEA), where she led strategic development and performance evaluation across Ireland’s higher education system.
The VCI is an independent statutory body set up under the Veterinary Practice Act 2005, as amended, and under the aegis of the Minister of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.
The principal function of the VCI is to regulate and manage the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing in the Republic of Ireland, in the interest of animal health and welfare and in the interest of veterinary public health.
The functions of the VCI include: protection of standards for animal health and welfare and public interest through the supervision of veterinary education; the maintenance of the register of veterinary practitioners and veterinary nurses; the registration of veterinary practice premises; and through disciplinary action in cases of professional misconduct.
New vet council CEO
During her tenure at the HEA, Dr. Brownlee is understood to have played a key role in the transformation of the national System Performance Framework, the development of Ireland’s five technological universities, and in the creation of 700 additional student places in programmes aligned with national skills needs.
Previously, Dr. Brownlee served as head of Athena Swan Ireland, providing leadership on equality and supporting higher education and research institutions to embed sustainable, evidence-informed approaches to organisational and cultural change.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Caroline Garvan, deputy president of the Veterinary Council of Ireland said: “On behalf of the council, I am delighted to welcome Victoria as our new chief executive officer and registrar.
"Victoria has a wealth of leadership experience in strategic planning, governance, and most recently in higher education policy and regulation.
"Her breadth of experience and collaborative approach will be a strong asset to the VCI, and we have every confidence in her ability to lead the organisation into its next chapter."
Dr. Victoria Brownlee said: “I am delighted to be appointed chief executive officer and registrar of the VCI.
"Veterinary professionals make an essential contribution to Irish society, safeguarding animal health and welfare, protecting public health, and supporting farmers and the wider agri-food sector, and are so important to our economy and communities.
"The VCI has an important role in maintaining high standards across the profession and ensuring public confidence in veterinary services.
"I look forward to working closely with the council, colleagues, veterinary professionals, educators, and other stakeholders to ensure that the VCI continues to be an effective and trusted regulator that supports a strong and sustainable veterinary workforce."
