CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., April 1, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Gary A. Leo has been appointed president and chief executive officer of The ALS Association (ALSA), the nation's preeminent organization in the fight against Lou Gehrig's disease, it was announced today.
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Leo is a nationally-recognized development and business executive with more than 30 years of experience in management, fundraising, teaching and training in the non-profit sector. He most recently served during the past four years as senior vice president for development at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, the largest non-profit acute care academic medical center in the United States.
"Gary Leo's expansive knowledge and successful track record in leadership and development will enrich our growing organization and propel ALSA into a new era in the fight against ALS," said Robert J. Bjorseth, chairman of ALSA's National Board of Trustees.
In this position, Leo has responsibility for the strategic direction and operation of ALSA, which directs the largest privately-funded research program into ALS and includes the Association's national network of 39 chapters that deliver an array of services to patients with ALS, their families and caregivers. At the national level, Leo oversees the Association's activities in research, advocacy, finance, development, community services, patient services, communications, management and operations.
"I am inspired and excited to join ALSA's quest to find a cure for ALS and to help the thousands of patients and families affected by this dreadful disease," Leo said. "As we advance our mission with new direction and vision, I am confident that the passion and dedication of our board, volunteers, staff and donors will lead the way to a breakthrough."
Prior to his tenure at Cedars-Sinai, Leo served as executive director and national vice president of the Western Region of the American Society for Technion - Israel Institute of Technology. This organization is Israel's oldest university and primary educator of engineers, scientists and medical professionals in that country.
Leo holds a master's degree in social work administration and planning from Rutgers University, and a master's degree in educational administration from New York University. He also has a bachelor's degree in economics from Queens College in New York.
The ALS Association is the only national not-for-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to fight against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. For more information, contact ALSA at 818-880-9007 or visit the ALSA website at www.alsa.org.
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