The next generation of veterinary leaders is already here, making their mark within eight years of graduating and proving that leadership is not about tenure, it is about impact.
The Emerging Leader Award recognises high-achieving AVA members within eight years of graduating who have already made a notable contribution to the profession and demonstrated clear potential for ongoing leadership and service. Nominees are those who show initiative, contribute meaningfully to their field and embody the collegiate, respectful and supportive values the profession aspires to.
2026 Winner – Emerging Leader Award
Dr Liam Mowbray
Past prize winners
2025 Winner- Emerging Leader Award
Dr Jack Egan
Dr Jack Egan, a 2017 graduate of Charles Sturt University, has quickly established himself as a standout leader within the Australian veterinary community. As a student, Jack became an active member of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA), participating in Equine Veterinarians Australia (EVA) workshops that laid the foundation for his professional growth. Following graduation, he completed a rotating internship at Goulburn Valley Equine Hospital and worked at Gippsland Equine Hospital, where he was awarded the EVA Young Member Scholarship to attend the Bain Fallon conference.
Dr Egan’s career then took him to Western Australia, where he became the 2020 EVA Young Member Representative for WA. His leadership qualities were quickly recognised, and in 2021 he was elected EVA Young Member President, joining the EVA Senior Executive. In this role, Jack enhanced communication and mentorship for young members, updated the EVA guidebook, and helped create the EVA Student “Love The Horse Day,”.
Re-elected in 2022, Jack continued to drive engagement by organising webinars and social media campaigns that significantly increased young member participation at the Bain Fallon Conference. His leadership and advocacy led to invitations to present to the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Executive and the South African Equine Veterinary Association, further cementing his reputation as an emerging global leader.
Jack’s commitment to education and clinical excellence is evident in his production of an EVA video on “Intrathecal Euthanasia of the Horse using Lignocaine,” his successful completion of the ANZCVS Membership Examination in Equine Practice, and his appointment as Director at Baldivis Veterinary Hospital in 2023. His mentorship and tireless advocacy for AVA/EVA membership have inspired many, earning him the prestigious “Ben Cunneen and Alister Rodgers Memorial Award” for Outstanding Young EVA Member.
Dr Jack W Egan’s dedication to collaboration, innovation, and supporting the next generation of veterinarians makes him an exceptional candidate for the AVA Emerging Leader Award.
Nomination guidelines
The Emerging Leader Award is open to all AVA members who are within eight years of completing their veterinary degree and are currently working in the profession. The number of awards given in any year will vary depending on the calibre of nominations received.
Nominations may be submitted by Divisional and Special Interest Group Executive Committees. Self-nominations will not be considered. Secrecy should be maintained throughout the process. If it is necessary to speak with the nominee to gather supporting information, please do so discreetly and make clear that a nomination does not guarantee success.
The AVA Awards Committee is responsible for receiving and assessing all nominations against the published criteria. The AVA Board ratifies all recipients prior to announcement to ensure the suitability of each selection. Winners are notified confidentially before the AVA Gala Dinner.
The Committee, Judges and Board assess nominations against the following criteria:
- Duration of service to the AVA and the broader profession
- Quality of service to the AVA and the profession
- Activities carried out in the preceding five years, primarily in Australia but potentially of benefit to the global veterinary community
- Other commitments and activities carried out alongside professional contributions
- The achievement should reflect well on the person, the profession and the AVA
If unsuccessful, the same nominee may be put forward for a further two years following their initial nomination. Subsequent nominations are not automatic and must be resubmitted with accurate and up-to-date information. After two years, the nominator must contact the AVA Awards Committee at awards@ava.com.au to request consideration for a further nomination. The Awards Committee does not provide feedback on unsuccessful nominations as all submissions are strictly confidential.
Submit a nomination
Nominations for the Emerging Leader Award are now closed. Nominations will open later this year. In the meantime, if you have any questions please contact awards@ava.com.au