JDRF announces new Board appointments

Nadia Swann, Wilson Leech and Sarah Johnson

We’re pleased to announce the appointment of two new Board Directors, Nadia Swann and Sarah Johnson. Existing Board Director Wilson Leech has also been promoted to the position of Vice Chair of the Board. These new appointments come as we celebrate National Volunteers’ week and recognises the contribution of our volunteers to our success.

Sarah Johnson is currently Head of Patient Advocacy, EMEA at IQVIA, a leading global provider of advanced analytics, technology solutions and clinical research services to the life sciences industry dedicated to delivering actionable insights. Through her work, she has built collaborations with patient organisations and charities, which have a positive impact on the communities that they jointly serve. Until 2018, Sarah was JDRF’s Director of Mission.

Nadia Swann is a former law firm partner with 20 years’ experience in financial regulation, now at the University of Oxford.

JDRF CEO Karen Addington said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce the appointment of Nadia Swann and Sarah Johnson as new Directors of the JDRF UK Board of Directors. Their exceptional skills, expertise, and deep commitment to our cause will bolster our efforts in improving the lives of everyone with type 1 diabetes.

“Additionally, I am delighted to congratulate Wilson Leech on his well-deserved promotion to Vice Chair of the Board. With his extensive experience and proven leadership within our organisation, Wilson will guide us towards greater achievements. As we celebrate National Volunteers Week, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our incredible volunteers who continue to be the backbone of our work, moving us closer to a world free from type 1 diabetes.”

Driving positive change

Wilson said: “It is an honour to take on the role of Vice Chair for JDRF Board of Directors. I am passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families affected by type 1 diabetes. Together with the dedicated board members, staff, and volunteers, I am committed to furthering JDRF mission and driving positive change in the fight against this complex condition.”

Nadia said: “Our family have lived with type 1 diabetes for three generations and have been greatly helped by the progress made in treatments and technologies over that time. I am passionate about supporting all aspects of research into type 1 diabetes and ensuring the next generation of families get access to transformative technologies. I am very grateful to be able to contribute to the work of JDRF by serving on the Board.”

Sarah added: “I’m extremely proud of what JDRF and the type 1 community have achieved together, and of JDRF’s tremendous progress over the past few years toward improved treatments and bringing us ever closer to cures. I’m delighted to join as a volunteer to contribute again in a small way to achieving a world without type 1 diabetes.”