Elizabeth Casson Trust announces new Chair

Following a recent recruitment campaign, the board of trustees of the Elizabeth Casson Trust recently announced that Samantha Shann will be the next Chair when their current Chair, Dee Christie, steps down in the Spring of 2026.

The Trust commented, “We wanted to share the fantastic news of her appointment at the earliest opportunity. The Elizabeth Casson Trust strives to further the profession of occupational therapy, regularly punches above its weight as a small independent charity and to say that it has grown considerably under Dee’s six-year tenure is something of an understatement! As part of the recruitment process, the Trust has planned a handover period to accommodate a smooth transition from Dee to the next Chair.”

Samantha told the Trust:

“I’m delighted to be the next chair of the Elizabeth Casson Trust. I am a great admirer of Elizabeth Casson especially her commitment to social change, whilst her tenacity, clear vision, focus, and dedication are skills and qualities I see and value in many occupational therapists. The Trust embraces Elizabeth’s pioneering mindset and works in a solution-focused way to support occupational therapists in their professional development. I look forward to working with the board and many others to continue to build a connected future that recognises and celebrates our diversity as a profession and supports future occupational therapy leaders.”

Current Chair Dee Christie added:

“I’m delighted to be handing over to Samantha as she will bring much experience and skill to our work. The Trust is a wonderful charity to work with, ambitious and go ahead in all that it does. I know that Samantha will embrace our work but also seek new opportunities for the Trust to continue furthering the profession. I’m pleased to extend my term by a few months to accommodate Samantha’s start next spring and excited to work alongside her to achieve that smooth transition”.