STAMMA unveils its new President

We couldn't be more excited to announce that Joanna Gaukroger is the new STAMMA President.  

Joanna, who was officially unveiled as president at STAMMAFest last month, fills the ceremonial role that has laid vacant since the passing of Brian Dodsworth in 2021. 

Having been voted onto the Board of Trustees in 2020 by our members, Joanna's exceptional leadership qualities made her the obvious choice for Chair when the position became available soon afterwards. 

It was a role in which Joanna thrived, so we were gutted when ill health forced her to step down from the Board in 2023. But, having battled and come out the other side, we couldn't let her go altogether, so were thrilled when Joanna gladly accepted our invitation to become the new STAMMA President. 

About Joanna 

Joanna left school at age 16 and worked in a number of different roles, juggling part-time education with work. She started her professional career as a lecturer in her mid-20s, and rose through the ranks to become Principal at Kensington & Chelsea College, and then Tower Hamlets College. She later became a further education (FE) advisor/deputy FE commissioner for the Department of Business, Innovation & Skills. She also co-designed and led the management development programmes for senior leaders across English and Welsh Further Education colleges. 

In her trustee election bio, Joanna said, "I have stammered as long as I can remember. My parents never had a conversation with me about it, and I received no formal help or treatment. Despite some very tough times, I had a successful career working in further education, inspired and encouraged by friends and mentors along the way.  

'As a stammerer, I found it particularly hard between the ages of 16 and 23 and would not wish young people to go through some of the prejudices and experiences which I did."

Jane Powell, STAMMA CEO said: "We've been so lucky with Joanna, first as Chair, and now as President. She is fiercely committed, relentlessly thorough and thoughtful, and I can think of no-one better to fill this role."

We hope you will join us in welcoming Joanna to the role.