National Psoriasis Foundation welcomes new President and CEO
PORTLAND, Ore. (May 19, 2008)—Randy Beranek, a leader in non-profit health organization administration, has joined the National Psoriasis Foundation as its new President and CEO.
Beranek will direct the Psoriasis Foundation, a leading patient-driven nonprofit organization, in its quest to improve the quality of life for the estimated 7.5 million Americans with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The Foundation focuses on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments and a cure for the disease.
"I am eager to work with the Foundation's many constituencies to accelerate the pursuit of our mission," Beranek said. "There are millions of people affected by psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis counting on us. This awesome responsibility is one that I accept with great enthusiasm."
Beranek brings over 24 years of executive-level experience in large, nonprofit health organizations. He served most recently as the Senior Executive Director of the Greater Bay Area Chapter of the American Diabetes Association. Prior to that, he was the Executive Director of the San Diego Chapter of the American Diabetes Association and held positions of progressive responsibility with the American Heart Association.
Gail Zimmerman, president and CEO of the Foundation since 1979, retired in December 2007. Vice President of Operations Pam Field served as interim president and CEO during the transition period.
"I look forward to working with Randy and the rest of the Foundation staff to fulfill the mission of the organization and meet the needs of the psoriasis community today and into the future," said Dale A. White, Chairman of the Foundation's Board of Trustees.
About Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a non-contagious genetic disease that results when faulty signals in the immune system prompt skin cells to regenerate too quickly, causing red, scaly lesions that can crack and bleed. Many people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory disease which causes pain, stiffness and swelling in and around the joints.
# # # #
About the National Psoriasis Foundation
The National Psoriasis Foundation is the leading patient-driven, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for millions of Americans with psoriasis and/or psoriatic arthritis, and their families. We focus on education, advocacy and research toward better treatments and a cure. For more information, please call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.
| 
