We are delighted to announce that Mr James Stockdale will take up the position of Chief Executive Officer of the International Dance Teachers’ Association from Monday 2nd October 2023.
Announcing the appointment, IDTA President, Yvonne Saunders said: ‘It gives me great pleasure to announce that Mr James Stockdale will be taking on the role as our new CEO, starting on Monday 2nd October 2023. Miss Liz Murphy will continue in the role of CEO up to and including Friday 29th September 2023. On Monday 2nd October 2023, Liz will commence her new position as Chief Operations Officer. Please join me in wishing both James and Liz good luck in their new appointments with the IDTA.’
James has a wealth of experience having spent over 30 years in the field of assessment and in a range of industries including automotive retail, banking and retail, with his most recent position being Director of Examinations for the Royal Academy of Dance.
With a number of years spent at Oxford, Cambridge and RSA (OCR) Examinations Board (part of the Cambridge University Assessment network) he also has held senior positions as Global Director of Learning for the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment, and as Director of Awarding and Policy at the Association of Business Executives.
James was also elected to the Board of Directors of the Federation of Awarding Bodies.
James Stockdale commented on his appointment: ‘I am truly delighted to be stepping into the role of Chief Executive at the International Dance Teachers Association. With a career of thirty years spent mostly in the regulated awarding and assessment sector, my most recent position was that of Director of Examinations at the Royal Academy of Dance. In this role, I have started to see and appreciate the transformative power of dance in all its forms – and being a musician myself, I really do understand what having a love and passion for the arts means.
With a long and rich history as an organisation, what is really clear to me is the true passion and loyalty everyone who engages with the IDTA has for the organisation and the community. Dance is not only a form of expression but also a vehicle for personal growth, empowerment and enjoyment. I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead an organisation that plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of dance education and nurturing the talents of dancers worldwide. I am delighted to be able to work with Liz Murphy, the IDTA team, the Board of Directors and IDTA teachers and examiners worldwide as we take the IDTA through to the next successful phase of its history; a new chapter of growth, inclusivity and continuing artistic excellence.’