New Chief Executive Announced at BATA
This month the British Assistive Technology Association (BATA) has announced the appointment of Katherine Perry as its new Chief Executive. This news was shared by Rick Bell, the Chair of BATA, to the BATA membership who expressed his excitement about the appointment and called on members to welcome her to the organisation.
Katherine brings with her a wealth of experience in various fields, including political engagement, policy, international development, global health and the assistive technology sector. Her most recent role was at GDI Hub as Lead for Advocacy and Strategic Communications but prior to that Katherine managed half of AT2030, a £40 million match-funded program aimed at understanding how to get assistive technology to those who need it worldwide. Before joining GDI Hub, Katherine served as a Google Fellow with the European Disability Forum and later as the Manager of the European Expert Group on the Transition from Institutional to Community-based Care, which worked to ensure that people from marginalised and vulnerable groups were not institutionalised and were in receipt of their rights. She also set up and managed the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Assistive Tech in the UK with Policy Connect.
"I am delighted to be joining BATA at such an exciting time of renewal for the organisation.”
BATA is a membership organisation that aims to promote the use of assistive technology to improve the lives of people with disabilities. In her new role as CEO, Katherine will be responsible for providing strategic leadership and working with members and stakeholders to advance the organisation's renewed goals.
Commenting on her appointment, Katherine said: "I am delighted to be joining BATA at such an exciting time for the organisation. I look forward to working with members, stakeholders, partners and end-users to continue to improve the situation for disabled adults and children as well as older people in the UK and strengthening the assistive technology sector.”
In addition to welcoming Katherine to the organisation, Rick Bell expressed his confidence in in the appointment and BATA’s new approach saying, "Katherine will be working with the board of directors to develop and implement strategies and programs that further the aims and objectives of BATA, to campaign for the rights and interests of those people who need or use AT, and to continue delivering value for our membership," Bell said. "Welcome aboard Katherine, I am looking forward to working with you!"
Katherine’s appointment is expected to bring a new level of expertise and activity to BATA. With her leadership, the Board’s expertise and the refuelled Council, BATA is poised to increase its impact world over and ensure that every disabled adult, child and older person, has access to the services and technology they need to remain as independent as possible and happy members of society.