Washington, D.C. (June 25, 2012) —

Kimberly Williams 2012 William J. Pfeifer Rising Star Award Recipient

On Friday, June 22, at the American Lung Association Awards Ceremony in Wilmington, Del., the American Lung Association recognized Kimberly Williams as the recipient of its prestigious 2012 William J. Pfeifer Rising Star Award. The national award is presented annually to a staff member who has made significant contributions toward the organization’s mission early in their career and demonstrates considerable potential for continuing outstanding achievement.
“Kim’s energy, enthusiasm, and commitment have made her an invaluable asset to the American Lung Association,” said Dennis C. Alexander, regional executive director of the territory serving Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia and the District of Columbia. “Over the past 18 months, she has singlehandedly positioned the Lung Association as a leader once again in policy advocacy on tobacco and healthy air issues throughout D.C., Maryland, North Carolina and Virginia.”  
Williams joined the American Lung Association as the first advocacy and communications manager of its new regional office in August 2010, charged with the responsibility of building its advocacy program and establishing relationships with key stakeholders and the media. She has frequently traveled to the capitols of North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland to ensure that the Lung Association has a presence and a voice on key policy issues in those states.
Williams works collaboratively with key stakeholders and community leaders to advance the Lung Association’s mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. An example of this is her organization of a roundtable discussion in the D.C. metro area among stakeholders from local and national organizations representing the Hispanic community around the release of the Lung Association’s recent disparities report highlighting the burden of asthma on Hispanics. She works closely with the LGBT community, another population disproportionately affected by lung disease, to engage them in lung health issues—especially related to tobacco use. In addition, Williams also convened a Young Professionals Council in the District of Columbia to involve younger people in volunteerism with the American Lung Association.
“Kim's initiative, leadership abilities, teamwork, and willingness to take on new challenges are qualities that are indicative of her potential for continued outstanding achievement in our organization,” Alexander added.
The William J. Pfeifer Rising Star Award honors the memory of William J. Pfeifer, a former longtime executive director who was known as a role model for aspiring young staff members. Pfeifer served as a mentor to many Lung Association staff including his son, Bill, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become a career Lung Association staff professional and currently serves as president and CEO of the American Lung Association of the Southwest.

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About the American Lung Association Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA ( 1-800-586-4872 ) or visit  www.lung.org .

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