Board Elections
ESSD Board Election Results – 2025
We are pleased to announce the results of the 2025 ESSD Board elections. A total of 86 valid votes were received from our members. The results were carefully reviewed, with duplicate entries removed (taking only the first vote where a member voted more than once) and membership verified to ensure all votes were valid.
We warmly congratulate the following candidates who have been elected to the ESSD Board for a four-year term (2025–2029):
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Ivy Cheng
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Nathalie Rommel
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Julie Regan
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Renée Speyer
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Stephanie Riera
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Sarah Wallace
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Kelly Weir
These results will be presented and confirmed at the General Assembly meeting on 9 October in Athens. Following the confirmation, the newly elected members will formally begin their terms.
We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Martina Scharitzer, who is concluding her term on the Board. Her dedication and contributions over the past years have been greatly appreciated.
Finally, we extend our gratitude to all candidates who stood for election this year. Your commitment and willingness to serve ESSD strengthen our community and its mission.
Elected Board Members 2025–2029
Vice-President
Julie Regan
Elected Term: 2025-2029
Ireland
Secretary
Ivy Cheng
Elected Term: 2025-2029
United Kingdom
Board Member
Nathalie Rommel
Elected Term: 2025-2029
Belgium
Board Member
Stephanie Riera
Elected Term: 2025-2029
Spain
Board Member
Renée Speyer
Elected Term: 2025-2029
Norway
Board Member
Sarah Wallace
Elected Term: 2025-2029
United Kingdom
Board Member
Kelly Weir
Elected Term: 2025-2029
Australia
ESSD Election Rules
Open Positions for Nominaton in 2025
- Board Member (7 positions)
Eligibility
- ESSD member for at least one year and in good standing
- Has expressed prior interest in joining the board
- Works in the field of dysphagia
- Speaks English
Process
- Nominations are open from 7 August to 7 September, 2025.
- Members in good standing can nominate candidates (incl. self-nomination) via this online form, including a description of their professional background, affiliations, and ideas for the society.
- On 8 September, the ESSD Secretariat will verify the eligibility of those candidates nominated, submit to the ESSD Executive Committee for review, and inform eligible candidates of their nomination by 9 September.
- Candidates will have until 18 September to accept their nomination and provide any additional details requested.
- Update: 25 September - 2 October: Election opens and takes place via online voting for seven days – all members in good standing can vote anonymously.
- The first candidates with the highest number of votes are considered elected.
- Results are published on the ESSD website and the membership is informed within 30 days.
