New President and Vice President for BAA - British Academy of Audiology |British Academy of Audiology

President

Samantha Lear, Senior Audiology Policy Advisor for the National Deaf Children’s Society and Lead Clinical Scientist in Hearing Services at Sheffield Children’s Hospital, has started her first term as BAA President.

Sam took over from Kath Lewis during the BAA Annual General Meeting during the 18th Annual Conference in Manchester on 13th October 2022.

Sam is a registered Clinical Scientist with more than 28 years’ experience in Audiology in the NHS. Her main work role is now Senior Audiology Policy Advisor for the National Deaf Children’s Society, although she still works as a Lead Clinical Scientist in Hearing Services at Sheffield Children’s Hospital on a part-time basis. Her clinical workload consists of complex paediatric assessment and leading the paediatric vestibular service.

A new Vice President

One of the first jobs for Sam was to welcome her new Vice President, Barbara Gregg. Barbara has been on the BAA Board since 2013, having been co-opted specifically to represent Northern Ireland. Members then voted her to serve two terms (2017 and 2020), and now she takes up the VP role.

Barbara began her career in Audiology in 1982 and is currently employed by South Eastern H&SC Trust as Audiology & ENT Services Manager. In recent years, her focus has been on service improvement, leadership and team development. Among her work commitments, she is currently involved in the Audiology Heads of Service network and collaborative working with DoH (Strategic Planning & Performance Group), alongside colleagues from Social Work.

Following the unanimous vote for Barbara, President Sam Lear said, “I am thrilled Barbara has been voted vice president of the BAA. Barbara is a passionate, enthusiastic and dedicated member of our board. She has spent many years controlling our finances and making sure we spend and invest wisely in our profession.

“I am also delighted that we have our first director in the VP role from Northern Ireland. Barbara has always been a strong voice for her audiology colleagues in Northern Ireland, and I am sure she will continue to champion their cause whilst representing all BAA members across the four home nations.” Sam concluded.