President
American Animal Hospital Association

A graduate of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Glasgow in Glasgow, Scotland, he earned his BVMS (Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery) and MRCVS (Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons) in 1992. He began his veterinary career at a mixed animal practice in California, but has been at his current practice, Emergency Veterinary Hospital in Springfield, Oregon, since 2006. McConnell is co-owner of the AAHA-accredited, 24-hour, referral facility, where he is a practicing clinician and is involved in all aspects of management.

McConnell is active in the veterinary community; he served as a governor-appointed member and past chair of the Oregon Veterinary Medical Examining Board. He currently serves on the board of the American Animal Hospital Association. In addition, he serves on two committees for the American Association of Veterinary State Boards. Program for the Assessment of Veterinary Education Equivalence (PAVE) and Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE). In his home town of Eugene, Oregon he volunteers for Pro-bono, a non-profit veterinary clinic that helps the homeless care for their pets and is often found training for various endurance races.