Leadership Legacy - A Look into Claire May’s Leadership within the USSPG

Claire May is a sports pharmacist, academician, avid volunteer, and advocate for all areas of pharmacy practice in the UK. She has been a member of the USSPG since 2021 and during her time has contributed to numerous global initiatives including helping define Sports Pharmacy through the Define Sports Pharmacy Taskforce and leading international engagement and initiatives by serving as the International Affairs committee chair from 2023-2025. 

As Claire finishes up her last term with the USSPG, we sit down with her to learn more about her time within the organization.

What USSPG initiatives are you most proud to have contributed to?

Claire: “During my time as Chair of the International Affairs Committee, I’m particularly proud of the space we created for international sports pharmacists to connect, collaborate, and share insights. This platform helped raise awareness of the unique challenges we face in our respective countries and fostered a sense of global community...

Additionally, I contributed extensively to the definition of sports pharmacy, which is now featured on the USSPG website and serves as a foundational reference for the field.”

How has the USSPG contributed to your success in Sports Pharmacy?

Claire: “USSPG has played a significant role in my professional journey. It has provided a platform to engage with like-minded professionals, expand my network, and contribute to meaningful projects that align with my passion for advancing sports pharmacy. The collaborative environment and leadership opportunities have also helped me grow in confidence and refine my skills in advocacy, communication, and strategic planning.”

We asked Board Member at Large and Board Liaison for the International Affairs committee, Jessica Beal-Stahl, to share what it was like working alongside Claire in her roles.

Jessica: “Working alongside Claire has been an incredible gift. Her wisdom, drive, and heart have not only shaped sports pharmacy globally, but shaped me personally, and I’m grateful to call her a mentor, a role model, and most of all, a friend”

Athena Cannon, founding Chair of the USSPG has worked with Claire for many years inside and outside the USSPG. We wanted to know what she has learned from Claire throughout their many years of partnerships.

Athena: “As an academician, UK pharmacist, sports pharmacist who has had an abundance of experience working at major international games - what’s not to learn from Claire! She has taught me how to be a practical problem solver, how to gather and appreciate all perspectives and pharmacy practices throughout our joint initiatives, and most importantly, how to have fun while doing the hard work”

Claire will always be remembered for her leadership and contributions to the USSPG and we wish Claire luck and many more years of partnership in her next chapters!