FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Alpha-1 Foundation announces the selection of Mr. Scott Santarella as the new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Scott joins us with extensive experience in building and transforming disease-focused non-profits and a strong passion for serving individuals afflicted by disease.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, it is my distinct pleasure to welcome Scott as the new President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation. We are excited to continue the mission-focused work of the Foundation with Scott at the helm. His track record of innovation and collaboration and his experience cultivating partnerships between patients, clinicians, researchers, and industry will help us get over the finish line,” stated Dr. Jeanine D’Armiento, Chair of the Board of Directors.
With over 25 years of experience as a senior executive, Scott was the CEO of Global Lyme Alliance for 5 years leading the effort in the fight against Lyme and other tick-borne diseases. He was also the President and CEO of the Addario Lung Cancer Foundation in California and President and CEO of the American Lung Association of New York (ALANY) and held senior roles with the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation and Multiple Myeloma Research Consortium (MMRC). He joins the Alpha-1 Foundation with comprehensive knowledge of Translational and Clinical Research and a history of innovation and progress in disease understanding, resulting in advancements that improve the quality of life for patients.
“For much of my career, especially in the last 15 years, the primary focus of my responsibilities has been increasing acceptance of research endeavors by the patient group and encouraging industry to develop new therapies for the direct benefit of patients, all while keeping the patient at the center of everything. With a cure as the end point, the journey of seeking a solution becomes about the integration of science, clinical care and technology, resulting in advancements that improve the quality of life for patients,” said Scott Santarella.
Scott looks forward to this next chapter in his career and working with the entire Alpha-1 community, including patients, leadership, industry partners, governmental agencies, staff, volunteers and the medical and scientific community.
“I am excited and honored to be selected as the President and CEO of the Alpha-1 Foundation. I feel that in this role collaboration is essential. To move towards a cure for Alpha-1, it takes a collective group of dedicated individuals, forming mutually beneficial partnerships, giving patients a voice and a seat at the table, and recognizing achievement and success both publicly and privately with genuine appreciation for all those involved,” stated Santarella.
About the Alpha-1 Foundation
Alpha-1 is a genetic (inherited) condition that is passed from parents to their children through their genes. Alpha-1 may result in serious lung disease in adults and/or liver disease at any age. The Alpha-1 Foundation, founded in 1995, is committed to finding a cure for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) and to improving the lives of people affected by Alpha-1 worldwide. The Foundation has invested over $86 million to support Alpha-1 research and programs at 120 institutions in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.
For more information, visit www.alpha1.org.
Contact: Jeanne Kushner
Director of Communications & Public Affairs
877-228-7321, ext. 204
jkushner@alpha1.org
