NEW YORK, March 26, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SeriousFun Children's Network has named John C. Lewis as its new Chief Executive Officer. John has been involved with SeriousFun since 2009, most recently serving as Chairman of the Board of Flying Horse Farms, the SeriousFun Camp in Mt. Gilead, Ohio, as well as a board member for SeriousFun Children's Network. In his new role, Lewis will lead efforts at the Network to work with the camps to maintain standards of excellence, provide training and technical expertise, raise money and foster program innovation.
"I am thrilled for the opportunity to help guide SeriousFun Children's Network and its member camps, as it continues to deepen and expand the life-changing services provided to children with serious illnesses all across the world," said Lewis.
John's connection with camps is deeply personal. His 12-year old daughter, Emily, had been a camper at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, the SeriousFun Camp in Connecticut founded by Paul Newman, before losing a courageous battle with kidney cancer in 2009.
"Camp had such a positive impact on my family, helping us to grow stronger and better cope with the challenges of illness that affected us all," commented Lewis. "This isn't just a career opportunity for me, but an opportunity to lend my expertise, give back and say thank you."
John joined the Board of Directors of Flying Horse Farms in May of 2009, primarily to give voice to the needs of campers and their families, but quickly found a passion far beyond that and helped shape the Board and Camps through his work with the Governance and Program Committees, as well as with fundraising and advocacy.
"John Lewis possesses the keen vision and global business acumen necessary for success in this critical role," said Don Gogel, Chairman of the Board, SeriousFun Children's Network. "We are fortunate to have found such a passionate and committed talent to lead this organization to new heights."
John has spent the last 23 years working with Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries, a Fortune 200 company that sells coatings and specialty products around the world. He has held various leadership roles at PPG ranging from global business development to brand management and has overseen growth in the food and beverage, automotive, commercial transportation and industrial manufacturing industries. John holds dual Master's degrees in Business from Carnegie Mellon University and Chemistry from the University of Michigan.
His family, including his wife of 21 years, Debbie, and his 18-year-old son, Andrew, will be relocating from Westlake, OH to Westport, CT, where SeriousFun's Support Center is located. He will be introduced to member camps, their boards and staff effective immediately, but will officially assume the post on May 1.
About SeriousFun Children's Network
SeriousFun Children's Network is a growing global community of 30 camps and programs serving children with serious illnesses and their families, always free of charge. Founded by Paul Newman in 1988, SeriousFun has served more than 440,000 children and families from more than 50 countries. Each member camp is an independent, not-for-profit organization dependent upon private funding to serve all children at no cost to their families. A Support Center raises funds and provides central standards and services for all SeriousFun camps and programs. To learn more about SeriousFun, visit www.seriousfunnetwork.org.
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