Strengthening Governance: Country UC Ltd Welcomes New Board Members

Country UC Ltd is pleased to announce the appointment of Megan O’Shannessy to the Board and welcome Ron Charlton, who will commence with the organisation in a governance support capacity, with his formal appointment as Company Secretary expected in July. Both bring extensive governance experience and a deep commitment to regional Australia, further strengthening the capability, oversight and strategic leadership of Country UC Ltd.

Megan O’Shannessy is the Chief Executive Officer of Rural Medical Education Australia and an Adjunct Associate Professer at Griffith University School of Medicine. Across a career spanning three decades in rural health, she has led services as a Director of Nursing and Hospital Manager, held financial accountability for budgets of up to $35 million, and built and mentored teams of up to 250 people. She is an experienced non-executive director, currently serving on the board of the Darling Downs West Moreton Primary Health Network and as President of Pretea Place in Toowoomba, with prior service on the Medical Board of Australia (Queensland) and the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Board. A Graduate of AICD, Megan also brings direct experience establishing a registered training organisation – an expertise that connects closely to our own work supporting students and higher learning across the regions.

Ron Charlton is a Chartered Accountant, MBA graduate and Graduate of Australian Institute of Company Directors, with more than a decade in senior executive and governance roles across regional, not-for-profit organisations. His expertise spans corporate governance, enterprise risk management, financial stewardship, statutory compliance and strategic planning, and he is known for a practical, collaborative style that turns complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable advice. Living and working in regional New South Wales, Ron is committed to organisations that contribute to the strength and sustainability of regional communities.

We warmly welcome Megan and Ron and look forward to the valuable contribution they will make as we continue to work with and support the Country University Centres network expand educational opportunities across regional, rural and remote Australia.