At the end of July 2026, Dr Shonagh Dillon will be stepping down as CEO of Aurora New Dawn. Our current Deputy CEO, Zoë Jackson, will be taking up the position of Chief Executive Officer. Read statements from Shonagh, Zoë, and our Chair of Trustees Kate Wood below as we enter this new chapter.
A statement from Kate Wood
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I would like to announce that, after fifteen and a half years as Chief Executive Officer of Aurora New Dawn, Dr Shonagh Dillon will be stepping down from her role at the end of July 2026.
As the organisation’s founder CEO, Shonagh has played a truly pivotal role in shaping Aurora from its inception into the highly respected, specialist violence against women and girls (VAWG) charity it is today. Under her leadership, the organisation has grown in both reach and impact, developing innovative services, strengthening partnerships across the sector, and becoming a trusted voice for victims and survivors. Her expertise, vision, and unwavering commitment have been instrumental in establishing Aurora’s strong reputation and delivering meaningful, lasting change. The Board wishes to place on record its deep gratitude for her extraordinary contribution and dedication over the years.
We are delighted to confirm that Zoë Jackson will be taking up the position of Chief Executive Officer. Zoë has been a central part of Aurora’s leadership from the very beginning, contributing significantly to its development and success. She brings a wealth of experience, compassion, and strategic insight, alongside a deep understanding of the organisation’s values and mission. The Board has full confidence in Zoë’s ability to lead Aurora into its next chapter, ensuring continuity for our staff and partners, and – most importantly – the victims and survivors we exist to support.
While Shonagh will be stepping down from her role as CEO, her influence and legacy will remain deeply embedded within Aurora. The foundations she has built will continue to guide the organisation’s work for years to come. We are pleased that she will remain engaged within the wider sector, and we wish her every success in this next phase of her career.
The Board looks forward to working closely with Zoë as she steps into this leadership role, and to supporting the continued strength, stability, and development of Aurora New Dawn as it builds on its strong foundations and continues to deliver vital services to those who need them most.”
A statement from Shonagh Dillon
“After fifteen and a half years as Chief Executive Officer at Aurora New Dawn, the time has come for me to move on. As a founder CEO, it feels bittersweet to be leaving this role. A part of me will always feel tied to the organisation, but what sits above everything else is pride – pride that the work continues, and that it continues with my friend and colleague, Zoë, at the helm.
Leading a specialist independent charity in the VAWG sector has involved its fair share of stress, challenge, and difficult moments, but there have also been more positives than I could ever count. I won’t bore you all with a long list of thanks – there are simply too many – but I am deeply grateful to everyone who has supported Aurora over the years. I have had the privilege of working with an extraordinary team and dedicated trustees, and I know the organisation is in safe hands.
Most of all, I am proud to have been part of something that supports victims and survivors. I hope that my contribution to the frontline sector over the last 30 + years has made some difference. While I’m not leaving the sector altogether, my frontline days are now behind me. I have immense respect for the women of the movement who continue to carry the baton forward. The work is far from easy, but it is undoubtedly one of the most rewarding jobs you can do – and that is entirely because of victims and survivors, their families, and their loved ones – who make this work so valuable.”
A statement from Zoë Jackson
“I feel incredibly privileged to be taking on the role of CEO at Aurora New Dawn and to be continuing the vital and impactful work that Shonagh has led for so many years.
I am grateful to Shonagh for her continual support, guidance and friendship. Her contribution to both Aurora and the wider sector has been significant, and we wish her all the very best for the future.
My focus going forward will be on maintaining the high-quality, values-driven services we’re known for and making sure victims and survivors remain at the centre of everything we do. I’m lucky to work with a brilliant, dedicated staff team who consistently go above and beyond for the people we support. Their commitment, along with the support of our trustees and partners, is what makes our work possible. I’m looking forward to continuing to work alongside them as we move into this next chapter.”
