EXECUTIVE BOARD

2024-2025 EXECUTIVE BOARD

Meet your 2024-2025 Executive Board! We all work hard to ensure the members of the MNVBMA gain the most out of their membership. Read on to learn more about each of our officers and their roles!

President: Maura McManus

Hi all! My name is Maura McManus and I am the current President of the MN VBMA Executive Board. I previously served as the Director of Marketing and I'm hoping this new role helps me develop new skills in networking and leadership. I hope to be a collaborative and encouraging member of this board while helping everyone in VBMA learn and grow within the veterinary industry.

I am a current second year student, and am originally from Naperville, Illinois. I studied Biochemistry and Italian at Loyola University Chicago and lived in Chicago for 5 years before coming to the University of Minnesota. I love animals, but I especially love interacting with people and working together to improve the lives of both humans and animals.

I am interested in small animal general practice, and I'd like to dabble in emergency medicine as well! Outside of school I love to read, workout, hike, go to concerts, play bass, and spend as much time as possible with my family and friends.

Vice President: Makayla Hall

My name is Makayla Hall and I am currently the Vice President of the MN VBMA Executive Board. As the Vice President, I am looking forward to supporting our President, and the rest of the board members while also organizing our Spring Banquet. Through my term, I am looking forward to connecting with fellow students, and connected with Veterinarians in the field.

I am a current first year student from Granada, Minnesota. In undergrad studied Animals Science with an emphasis in Pre-Vet at the University of Minnesota. I grew up on a farm, and have enjoyed spending time with our farm animals from a young age.

I am interested in mixed animal practice. Outside of school I enjoy riding horse, spending time with family, snowmobiling (when there is snow), skiing (water and snow), cooking and gardening.

Treasurer: Rachel Kent

Hi, my name is Rachel Kent and I am VBMA’s treasurer. I am excited to be a part of the behind the scenes team to keep our meetings fun, interesting, and exciting to best serve our members!

I grew up with two parents in the military so I am not from anywhere, but I have lived the longest in Germany, and moved to Minnesota from outside of Washington D.C. I went to school in southern Virginia so at this point I call Virginia my home. I am currently a first year and am interested in mixed animal emergency medicine and the dream would be to combine that passion with community medicine. In my ideal world I’ll have a community based emergency ambulatory practice, but we will see how that pans out in a few years!

In my free time I love to work out (I am actually a certified Pilates instructor!), read, cook, crochet and try out new coffee shops.

Director of Networking: Skylar Milne

My name is Skylar Milne and I am the Director of Networking for the MN VBMA chapter. I love meeting new people and making connections, so the Director of Networking was an ideal position to allow me to do just that. My goals with this position are to foster connections with veterinary professionals that empower students to grow their passion for veterinary medicine. Like the previous Directors of Networking before me, I want to continue to sow a mindset of collaboration and community-building for our chapter.

I am a first year vet student with an interest in small animal general practice and I’d love to own my own practice in the future. I grew up here in the suburbs of the Twin Cities but I plan on moving down south to the Carolinas in the future to practice.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife, son, our three dogs, and tortoise. I love spending time outside but also enjoy playing video games, reading, and running.

Director of Engagement : Emma Prybylski

Hi, everyone! My name is Emma Prybylski, and I am the Director of Member Engagement for the Minnesota VBMA chapter. Through my position, I am excited to build connections with other veterinary students and professionals and help others achieve their goals through VBMA.

I am a first-year DVM/PhD student planning to track research. I am originally from Washington State. I studied Animal Science and Chemistry at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. My goal is to work in academia or industry, preferably with cattle, but I love research, so I hope it is a huge part of my career.

Outside of school, I love doing yoga, swimming, running, hiking, playing with my cat, Carbon, and hanging out with friends and family.

Director of Operations: Destiny Smith

Hello everyone! My name is Destiny Smith and I am the Director of Operations for the MN VBMA Executive Board. I am in charge of ensuring that our events go smoothly and that there is an opportunity for everyone to attend. We are only as strong as the members that make up our chapter.

I am currently a second year veterinary student. I am originally from North Dakota but have spent the last couple years in Hutchinson, MN. My goal is to work in rural MN/ND and own my own mixed animal practice. I thrive in rural communities and want to be there to support those producers. Beef cattle are definitely my favorite!

Outside of school I love going home to ND to ride my horses, travel, go camping, spend time with family and friends, and just be outside.

Director of Marketing: Julia McMahon

Hi there! My name is Julia McMahon (though you probably know me as Julia Swoish) and I am the Director of Marketing for the Minnesota VBMA chapter. I was previously the Director of Member Engagement. Having had an advertising and business background prior to deciding to go to veterinary school, I knew VBMA would be a great way to help me utilize and build on those pre-existing skills to become a well-rounded and professional veterinarian one day. I love that VBMA teaches us so many valuable lessons and allows us to build professional connections, and I'm excited to help get others excited about VBMA and their future careers!

I am a second year student planning to track small animal medicine. I have special interest in emergency medicine, but working in GP last summer gave me a lot of new things to love and consider! I grew up in Michigan (Go Lions) but lived in Chicago, Illinois for 5 years prior to coming to Minnesota, so I'm making my way through the midwest one state at a time.

In my free time I love to spend time outdoors, go on walks with my husband and our dog, travel, cook, watch documentaries, and spend time with family and friends as often as I can.