/24-7PressRelease/ - ROCKVILLE, MD, June 28, 2008 - The Platelet Disorder Support Association Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Craig E. Conway. Having extensive experience in working to improve the quality of life for patients and their families, Conway will replace President Joan Young in the organization's top leadership position. Young, who has decided to focus on improving patients' and doctors' understanding of platelet-related disorders as well as other interests, will continue to be an integral part of the organization in a consulting role.
Conway joins PDSA after spending approximately 20 years in the healthcare field, including the last 11 years in nonprofit organizations advocating for or administering programs for patients diagnosed with hematologic diseases such as leukemias, lymphomas, autoimmune diseases, and other blood disorders. Prior to joining PDSA, he served for more than six years with the National Marrow Donor Program's (NMDP) Office of Patient Advocacy. That organization's focus includes maintaining the US registry of unrelated adult stem cell donors and cord blood units, a robust research program, a US network of transplant centers, and a national program of support to patients by providing them with information, resources and advocacy services.
"We believe that Craig's enthusiasm for PDSA's mission, health-related background and dedication to patient care are exactly what PDSA needs to guide us through our next phase of organizational growth," said Mat Heyman, Chair of the PDSA Board. "He brings a track record of success in both the private and public sector and the courage to build on years of outstanding leadership provided by our founder and past president, Joan Young."
Conway joins PDSA at a time when the organization is experiencing its greatest growth period in its 10-year history. Today, PDSA serves thousands of patients and families in 130 countries.
Conway will lead PDSA's efforts to further develop patient outreach programs and continue to work with researchers and pharmaceutical companies to find new treatments for ITP and other platelet disorders. He will guide PDSA's work to develop new and diverse funding sources and strengthen philanthropic activities.
"PDSA has been a great help to many people throughout its ten year life. It is important to me that the assistance we provide continues to expand throughout this transitional phase and into the future," said Joan Young. "I'm positive that Craig's leadership abilities and sense of caring will build on our past success and provide the support and direction that will further our important mission."
Conway's first week on the job coincides with PDSA's 10th anniversary.
About ITP
ITP, immune (idiopathic) thrombocytopenic purpura, is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, the body mounts an immune attack toward one or more seemingly normal organ systems. In ITP, platelets are the target. They are marked as foreign by the immune system and eliminated in the spleen and sometimes, the liver. In addition to increased platelet destruction, some people with ITP also have impaired platelet production. Without a sufficient number of platelets, a person with ITP is subject to spontaneous bleeding or bruising.
About PDSA
The Platelet Disorder Support Association is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) and other platelet disorders through education, advocacy and research. For more information, please contact us at 1-87-PLATELET or visit our Web site at http://www.pdsa.org.
Contact: Caroline Kruse
(301) 770-6636
ckruse@pdsa.org
# # #
Read more Press Releases from Caroline Kruse:
