ANN M. PALMER

President & Chief Executive Officer

With more than 30 years of experience within the voluntary health space, Ann has revolutionized the organization’s approach, structure and focus to deliver the greatest impact in the lives of those with arthritis. Since joining the Arthritis Foundation in 2013, Ann has established the organization’s four pillar areas, introduced an annual planning process to identify and measure priority outcomes and successfully implemented a consolidated structure.

With a BS in education from the University of Delaware, Ann has a strong background at three large voluntary health organizations: the American Cancer Society, the American Diabetes Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Beginning her career with the American Cancer Society in 1979, she held numerous roles of increasing responsibility over 18 years. In 1997, she joined the American Diabetes Association to oversee increased fundraising for their Mid Atlantic region and led a nationwide operational restructuring that increased efficiency. During her 12 years at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Ann’s leadership brought new business systems and a great team of staff and volunteers who annually raised a net income of more than $100 million.

Ann is the chair of the board of directors of the National Health Council, which consists of voluntary health agencies committed to helping people with chronic diseases and disabilities and their caregivers. She’s also recognized as one of the 100 most influential leaders in the health care industry by the Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Ann is passionate about her work as the Foundation’s leader: “I am truly inspired by the dedication of our volunteers and the courage and perseverance of people with arthritis and their families. We are responsible for helping more people say Yes to conquering everyday challenges and to fulfill our mission of audaciously attacking arthritis and its effects.”

RICK WILLIS

Senior Vice President, Field Management

A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Rick got his start in fundraising in 1997 at the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and went on to hold leadership positions at the American Diabetes Association and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, expanding local events and opening new markets. He has a strong history in field management and fundraising strategy, and extensive experience working with volunteers. Rick joined the Arthritis Foundation in 2014, and today he oversees field operations, in addition to major gift and planned giving programs.

“I’m profoundly inspired by the multitudes of caring people who give so generously of their time, talents and resources,” says Rick. “Not only do they fuel our mission; they drive our success. I’m grateful to work alongside them.”

Laurie Stewart

Chair, Board of Directors

Laurie Stewart was named chair of the Arthritis Foundation’s board of directors in November 2018.

Ms. Stewart is the president and CEO of Sound Community Bank, headquartered in Seattle and serving the Puget Sound region through eight branches and two loan offices. Sound Community Bank is recognized as one of the top performing community banks in the country and is also a leading philanthropic organization.

Active in the industry, Ms. Stewart was one of 14 bankers selected to serve on the inaugural FDIC community bank advisory board. Subsequently, she was appointed to the inaugural Consumer Finance Protection Board (CFPB) community banker’s advisory board. She is active in trade associations, serving two terms as chair of the WBA, and she chaired the ABA flagship governmental affairs committee.

In 2017, Ms. Stewart was one of nine community bankers invited to the White House for a listening session with the president. She was recently named chair-elect of the American Bankers national trade association and will serve as chair in 2019-2020. In December 2018, she was named Community Banker of the Year by American Banker.

Ms. Stewart has been recognized in the Most Powerful Women in Banking’s women-to-watch category four times, most recently in 2018. In 2016, she also earned the prestigious Woman of Influence Award from the Puget Sound Business Journal. Ms. Stewart’s community volunteer work includes serving as immediate past chair of the Woodland Park Zoo, volunteering as a court-appointed special advocate and decorating Christmas trees for Festival of the Trees. 

Laurie Stewart  | Chair | Washington

Frank Longobardi | Vice Chair | Connecticut

Tony Bihl| Treasurer | North Carolina

Matt Mooney | Secretary | Georgia

Rowland W. (Bing) Chang | Immediate Past Chair | Illinois

Ann M. Palmer | President/CEO | Georgia

David McLoughlin | Assistant Secretary | Georgia

David McLoughlin | Assistant Treasurer | Georgia

Robin Dore | California

Dennis Ehling | California

Thomas Fleetwood | Georgia

Mark Froimson | Ohio

Randeep Kahlon | Delaware

Martin Lotz | California

Diana Milojevic | Florida

Vijay Murali | Georgia

David Pleasance | Georgia

Jay Yadav | Georgia