Warren and Expanded Board of Directors Set to
Drive NPKUA's Strategic Focus for the PKU Community
NEW
YORK, May 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --The National
PKU Alliance (NPKUA), whose mission is to improve the lives of
people living with phenylketonuria (PKU) and pursue a cure, today
announced Catherine Warren as the
organization's new Executive Director.
"I am thrilled to welcome Catherine to the NPKUA to lead the
execution of our strategy by accelerating fundraising and community
engagement as we fund research and make progress toward a cure for
PKU," said Rhonda Connolly, NPKUA
President. "Catherine's appointment is a deliberate step on our
strategic plan to build on the efforts Lisa
Milberg has been leading to expand the reach and impact of
the NPKUA."
"The NPKUA has an exceptional staff and corps of volunteers who
are eager to support Catherine as she cultivates partnerships and
alliances that will promote growth and awareness inside and outside
the PKU community," said Milberg, who is leaving the organization
to pursue her additional passions and interests.
Bringing nearly two decades of healthcare nonprofit development
and management experience, Catherine served as Executive Director
of the Susan G. Komen Virginia Blue Ridge Affiliate and later as
Senior Director of Southwest
Virginia for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. Her
professional journey also encompasses roles with the Jefferson College of Health Sciences and the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she honed skills in
organizational management and community engagement.
Catherine's personal connection to PKU began twelve years ago
when her nephew was diagnosed at birth. "I am deeply committed to
advocating for improved treatment options, increased research, and
enhanced access to resources for all individuals and families
affected by PKU," she said. "I look forward to meeting more members
of the PKU community at the bi-annual NPKUA conference this
July 18-21, 2024 in Chantilly, Virginia."
Also announced today are the addition of five new leaders to the
organization's Board of Directors, contributing healthcare
leadership experience:
- Chuck Bucklar, Pharmaceutical
industry executive
- Michael Finkel, DO, MPH and
adult living with PKU
- Mark Gralen, General counsel and
PKU parent
- Daniel Lazzari, Healthcare
finance executive
- Christina Love, Registered nurse
and adult living with PKU
Current Board members include:
- Rhonda Connolly (Board
President), PKU parent
- Elizabeth Aselage (Board Vice
President), Life sciences patient advocacy executive
- Alison Reynolds (Board
Secretary), PKU parent
- Sue Berry, MD, Director of
Genetics and Metabolism, Pediatrics at the University of Minnesota
- Lillian Isabella,
Playwright/actress and adult living with PKU
- Heidi Maxfield, PKU parent
- David Mickle, Life sciences
strategic communications executive
- Adam Sherman, Pharmaceutical
industry leader and entrepreneur
"We are thankful for the structure Lisa has put in place during
her time as Executive Director. Now, with Catherine's appointment
and our expanded Board leadership, 2024
marks the next phase of the NPKUA to have an even broader
impact in service of those living with PKU," added Connolly.
About the NPKUA:
The NPKUA was founded in 2008, with a
mission to improve the lives of individuals with PKU and to pursue
a cure. Phenylketonuria, or PKU, is a rare metabolic condition
affecting approximately 16,500 people in the United States. It is an inborn error of
metabolism that requires careful management of phenylalanine (Phe)
levels in the body throughout life to prevent severe intellectual
disability. To learn more about the NPKUA, visit npkua.org.
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SOURCE National PKU Alliance