American Parkinson Disease Association Appoints New Leaders to Board for Enhanced Advocacy and Support

New Board Members to Elevate APDA's Mission

The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is excited to announce the addition of three prominent figures to its National Board of Directors: Howard Lenn, Madeleine Shea, PhD, and Sara Whittingham, MD. Each newly appointed board member brings a distinct set of skills, experiences, and personal insights, crucial for APDA's mission to improve the lives of those affected by Parkinson's disease (PD).

Strategic Leadership for Change

APDA's National Board plays a pivotal role in steering the organization's strategic direction, ensuring fiduciary responsibility, and maintaining effective governance. The wealth of experience that Lenn, Shea, and Whittingham contribute will be invaluable as APDA continues its mission. The organization aims to support and educate individuals with PD, conduct research, and foster a community aimed at enhancing life quality.

Meet the New Board Members

1. Howard Lenn: An award-winning creative strategist, Howard has made significant contributions across healthcare and consumer brands. His prior role as Executive Vice President and Executive Creative Director at Havas Lynx New York saw him lead impactful initiatives like APDA’s ‘ParkinSex’ campaign and the 'Do What You Love' public service announcement. With decades of experience, Howard's focus will be to amplify APDA's voice and raise awareness about Parkinson's disease. He emphasizes the power of storytelling, stating, “I've seen firsthand how powerful storytelling can be in changing perceptions and inspiring action.”

2. Madeleine Shea, PhD: A seasoned public health leader with over 30 years of experience, Madeleine specializes in advancing health equity, particularly for underserved communities. Her work involves addressing social determinants of health through innovative solutions. With significant expertise in health policy and program implementation, she is committed to creating effective strategies that address both healthcare needs and broader wellness concerns, saying, “Improving the lives of people impacted by Parkinson's requires thoughtful, coordinated solutions.”

3. Sara Whittingham, MD: An advocate for the PD community, Sara brings both professional and lived experiences to her role. A retired anesthesiologist and U.S. Air Force veteran, she has been actively involved in raising awareness about critical issues affecting those with Parkinson's. Her memoir, Oh Crap! It's Parkinson's: A Rebel's Guide to Taking Back Control of Your Life, is a testament to her resilience. Sara highlights the importance of community support, stating, “Living with Parkinson's has given me a very personal understanding of the challenges people face, but also of what's possible with the right support.”

Objectives and Vision

APDA President and CEO Leslie A. Chambers expressed enthusiasm about the new members, stating: “We are thrilled to welcome these three accomplished leaders to APDA's National Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds and personal experiences are tremendous assets to our organization.” These new members will serve an initial term of three years, with an opportunity for re-election.

APDA remains dedicated to making life better for individuals living with PD, leveraging its grassroots networks to provide education, support, and a sense of community. Since its founding in 1961, APDA has invested over $338 million to fight Parkinson's disease and improve the lives of nearly one million individuals affected by this condition across the United States.

For more information about the American Parkinson Disease Association and its initiatives, visit www.apdaparkinson.org or contact them via email at [email protected].