Welcome to Samantha Shann: the new Chair of Elizabeth Casson Trust
We are delighted to announce that Samantha Shann has now officially joined us as our new Chair. In April, Dee Christie OBE stepped down from the position and handed over the baton to Samantha (pictured above).
Samantha, who will be known to many of you, brings more than 30 years of experience across health, social care and community settings in the UK and internationally. Her career has focused on workforce development, service design, education and leadership, and strengthening occupational therapy and rehabilitation services.
Samantha has held a number of influential leadership positions within the occupational therapy profession. She served on the Executive Management and Board of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists between 2004 and 2021, including five years as President. She also served as President of the Uganda Association of Occupational Therapists and as Council Member and Vice Chair of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists. She also continues to contribute internationally as a Board Member of the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals and as Vice Chair of the World Rehabilitation Alliance Steering Committee, hosted by the World Health Organization.
In recognition of her contribution to the profession, Samantha is also a Fellow of the Royal College of Occupational Therapists.
Speaking about her appointment, Samantha said:
“What matters most to me is the next generation of occupational therapists – how we support each other to thrive, how we position our profession, and how we continue to grow with confidence and clarity.
Inspired by Elizabeth Casson’s vision, determination and commitment to social change, I am proud to serve as Chair of the Board. My vision is simple: that every occupational therapist is strong professionally and feels enabled to make a meaningful difference.”
The Trustees and Operations Team look forward to working with Samantha as the Trust builds on Elizabeth Casson’s legacy and continues to support occupational therapists in the advancement of their profession and create positive change in communities across the UK and beyond.
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