JoAnn is a long-term resident of Witham and was previously a Witham Town Councillor for the North Ward between 2015 - 2019. JoAnn was heavily involved in organising two public meetings with Essex Police, the Essex Police and Crime Commissioner and Priti Patel MP to tackle antisocial behaviour. JoAnn was Witham Town Mayor for 2017-2018. As Mayor, she was especially focused on antisocial behaviour and youth engagement.

JoAnn stood on many sub-committees within the Council focusing on crime, youth and the Riverwalk and Whetmead Reserve. She is a volunteer within the Community as a Witham and District Lioness (the Pink ladies),  is Chair of the Board of Trustees for Connected Learning Multi-Academy Trust, is a Trustee on the Board of Citizens Advice Braintree, Halstead and Witham, served for many years as a member of Witham Carnival Association and as Vice Chairman of the Witham Christmas Events Committee.