The BPA claimed she was appointed following a "highly-competitive" recruitment process.

Paterson will join existing non-executive directors Emma Boggis and Greg Nugent, who took up their position in 2013 and have now been re-appointed for a second four-year term. 

She replaces Norman Brodie on the BPA Board, who earlier this year stood down after four years of service having previously headed up Cadbury’s Paralympic sponsorship programme for London 2012.

The role of the non-executive directors is to complement the skills and experience of the elected members of the Board.

They also serve to provide leadership and strategic direction, and governance oversight of the BPA, focusing on the organisation’s vision, core values and objectives.

Paterson is a finance professional with previous roles in a variety of sectors, including chief financial officer at Aerospace.

It is hoped she will bring her experience and expertise to the BPA as it progresses towards Pyeongchang 2018 and Tokyo 2020.

Paterson will also look to draw on her expertise within sport as an active coach and current Board member for British Canoeing. 

Her coaching experience ranges from grassroots athletes to those competing internationally, including at the 2014 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Chinese city Nanjing. 

Paterson has also represented Great Britain internationally at world and European level in a variety of paddle sports and is due to compete at the Canoe World Freestyle Championships in Argentinean city San Juan later this year.

Additionally, she is a qualified UK Anti-Doping educator.

"I’m absolutely delighted to join the BPA as a non-executive director and to use my skills from a career in finance with my love for Paralympic sport," Paterson said.

"It’s been incredible to watch the progression of the Paralympic Movement in this country since London 2012 in particular and I’m excited to play my part in this through this new role. 

"I can’t wait to get started."

BPA chair Nick Webborn has welcomed Paterson’s appointment.

"On behalf of the Board, I’d like to welcome Dee to the BPA," he said.

"Her financial expertise will complement the skill-set of the current Board members, alongside a real knowledge of and passion for Paralympic sport. 

"She will be a fantastic asset to the BPA as we seek to cement our position as a leading Paralympic nation both on and off the field of play.

"I would also like to take the opportunity to thank Norman Brodie for his excellent contribution to the BPA during his four years as a non-executive director."

The three non-executive directors sit alongside six elected Board members, including Webborn.

Annamarie Phelps and David Hadfield, who chair British Rowing and the Boccia International Sports Federation respectively, are also among the half-dozen members.

Completing the list are Tennis Foundation chief executive Geoff Newton, Scottish Swimming counterpart Forbes Dunlop and retired Paralympic football legend David Clarke.