EDITORS: Please note local interest.

Chicago, IL (July 1, 2015)—

The American Lung Association recently elected officers for the National Board of Directors. The Board provides leadership and support to Lung Association staff working nationwide to drive forward a strategic plan to achieve their vision of creating a world free of lung diseases, including lung cancer.

“We are delighted to announce the Board members that will guide the Lung Association as it looks to become a powerful force for change,” said American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer. “The American Lung Association is leading the way in helping all Americans to breathe easier, and the newly elected Board and officers bring a wealth of experience and leadership to the Lung Association.”

Kathryn A. Forbes, CPA, has been re-elected Chair of the organization’s national Board of Directors. Forbes will serve a one-year term. Joining Forbes as an officer on the Board, John F. Emanuel, JD, has been designated Chair-elect and re-elected as Vice Chair of the organization’s national Board of Directors. Emanuel will serve a term as Chair-elect before serving a two-year term as Chair. Other officers include Penny J. Siewert, who was re-elected as Secretary and Treasurer, and Ross P. Lanzafame, Esq., who serves as Past Chair of the National Board.

“As long-time supporters and volunteers of the Lung Association, Kate has guided the organization with passion and a strong vision, and I’m pleased to announce that with John Emanuel designated as the Chair-elect, the organization is well-positioned to advance our mission to improve lung health and prevent lung disease well into the future,” Wimmer said. “This is an especially important time for the American Lung Association, as we continue to roll out our LUNG FORCE initiative. LUNG FORCE is making lung cancer a cause people care about, raising funds for lung cancer research and providing resources to empower patients, caregivers and healthcare providers.”

“I’m confident we are making great strides toward a world free of lung disease, but our work is not done yet,” Wimmer said. “With the expertise and experience of this collective group, we believe we are best positioned to realize those goals.”

The 2015-2016 American Lung Association National Board of Directors:

Linn P. Billingsley, Blue Diamond, Nev., Board Member

Michael F. Busk, MD, MPH, Indianapolis, Ind., Board Member

Cheryl A. Calhoun, BA, MBA, Los Angeles, Calif., Board Member

Chris Carney, Perkasie, Pa., Board Member

Michael V. Carstens, Omaha, Neb., Board Member

Mario Castro, MD, MPH, St. Louis, Mo., Board Member

John F. Emanuel, JD, Milwaukee, Wis., Vice Chair/Chair-elect

Kathryn A. Forbes, CPA, Phoenix, Ariz., Chair

Pauline Grant, MS, MBA, FACHE, Deerfield Beach, Fla., Board Member

Sumita B. Khatri, MD, MS, Cleveland, Ohio, Board Member

Ross P. Lanzafame, Esq., Rochester, N.Y., Past Chair

Angela V. Mastrofrancesco, Boca Raton, Fla., Board Member

Robert K. Merchant, MD, MS, Billings, Mont., Board Member

Stephen J. Nolan, Esq., Baltimore, Md., Board Member

Stephen R. O’Kane, San Diego, Calif., Board Member

Harry Perlstadt, PhD, MPH, Haslett, Mich., Board Member

Austin K. Pugh, Palo Alto, Calif., Board Member

Jane Z. Reardon, MSN, APRN, CS, AE-C, Granby, Conn., Board Member

Al Rowe, Marion, Iowa, Board Member

Penny J. Siewert, Eagle, Wis., Secretary/Treasurer

Jeffrey T. Stein, CFP, Avon, Conn., Board Member

Karin A. Tollefson, PharmD, Indianapolis, Ind., Board Member

Leticia W. Towns, Memphis, Tenn., Board Member

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About the American Lung Association The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases.  For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.