Arthritis Foundation Appoints New Chief External Relations Officer
Media Contact:
Angela McMillan
404-965-7558
ATLANTA, Sept. 17, 2009 — The Arthritis Foundation has appointed Debra Neuman to the position of chief external relations officer. Carrying out her new role from the organization's headquarters in Atlanta, Neuman will provide nationwide leadership for all marketing, branding, fundraising and communications efforts.
 ““The enthusiasm of our volunteers and staff to build public awareness and funds to fight arthritis is palpable, and I’m delighted to join the Foundation at this exciting juncture in its 61-year history.” Deb Neuman, chief external relations officer for the Arthritis Foundation |
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Neuman comes to the Arthritis Foundation with more than 30 years of nonprofit and corporate marketing, communications and fundraising experience. Prior to serving as vice chancellor of external relations for the University of California, San Diego, Neuman was senior vice president of external relations for the international humanitarian organization, CARE, where she led fundraising and marketing and communications programs. Before joining CARE, Neuman was a vice president of communications for IBM, where she headed communications for IBM Global Services and managed public relations programs for several of the company’s high profile sponsorships, including the Nagano and Sydney Olympic Games, PGA Tour, and the U.S. Open and Wimbledon tennis championships.
"Arthritis is a severe and disabling disease that profoundly impacts the lives of millions of Americans every day, and Deb Neuman's background and expertise bring enormous value to our efforts to improve health and prevent disability," said John H. Klippel, M.D., president and CEO for the Arthritis Foundation. "We look forward to Deb's leadership as we move toward our vision of a world that is free of arthritis pain."
As the Arthritis Foundation's new chief external relations officer, Neuman also will position the organization to realize the full potential of its Ad Council campaign scheduled to launch in Jan. 2010.
“This is a tremendous opportunity to help improve the lives of the 46 million men, women and children diagnosed with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability,” said Neuman. “The enthusiasm of our volunteers and staff to build public awareness and funds to fight arthritis is palpable, and I’m delighted to join the Foundation at this exciting juncture in its 61-year history.”
Neuman received her B.A. from Wesleyan University, is a member of its alumni volunteer committee, and has been a volunteer, board member and advisor to several nonprofit organizations and educational institutions.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps individuals take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.
