CEO, Alzheimer’s Association, Central and North Florida Chapter
Mission
To eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.
Serving Jacksonville
Since 1988. We are one of 70 chapters across the country of a national organization based in Chicago.
Those served
The chapter serves 31 counties from Tallahassee east to Jacksonville, south to Vero Beach and west to Orlando, Ocala and Gainesville. We have offices in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Orlando and Gainesville and we serve more than 140,000 people with Alzheimer’s disease, plus family caregivers, in that area.
Biggest challenge
Educating people regarding the public health crisis that this disease represents and the emotional, physical and financial toll it will take on the citizens of the state of Florida and the country if we don’t find an effective treatment and a cure, now.
Biggest satisfaction
The opportunity to have some positive impact on the lives of people who are struggling with this disease 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Hometown
Washington, D.C.
First experience with community service
I went to a Catholic girls’ high school that was very focused on community service. I think my first project may have been the first year of the Special Olympics, founded by Eunice Kennedy back in the late 1960s, and I have been involved in community service as both a vocation and avocation since.
Your job before the Alzheimer’s Association
Immediately before coming to the Alzheimer’s Association, I was vice president for major gfts for four years at the North Florida Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Upcoming events
The fall is the season in which we hold our 10 flagship fundraising events across our chapter, Walk To End Alzheimer’s. Walks in the Northeast Florida area will be Sept. 22 in Palm Coast, Nov. 3 in Jacksonville and Nov. 17 in Fernandina Beach. Proceeds from these events fund the programs and services we deliver to individuals with Alzheimer’s, their families and the general public throughout our community, so we need all the sponsorships, team captains and walkers we can recruit.
Contact information
www.alz.org/cnfl
Helpline is 1-800-272-3900