Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation Announces New President and CEO 5/18/2004
From: Maggie Goldberg of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, 973-379-2690 ext. 115 or media@crpf.org SPRINGFIELD, N.J., May 18 -- The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) announced today that Kathy Lewis has been appointed its President and CEO, bringing over 20 years of not-for-profit and for-profit management and leadership experience to the position. Lewis's proven talents and vision make her an exemplary steward of the Foundation and a valuable asset to further its mission. Lewis comes to CRPF following a distinguished history at Kessler Rehabilitation Corporation. She began her career over twenty years ago as a vocational counselor, working closely with patients. She then moved into administration, holding several key positions, including Director of Marketing and Community Relations and Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations, which ultimately led to her appointment as Executive Vice President/Corporate Strategy and Development. Under Lewis's direction, Kessler Rehabilitation Corporation grew from a $50 million to $250 million organization and received international recognition. She also expanded the organization from two sites in one state to a 10 state presence with over 100 locations. "Kathy's superior qualities and accomplishments make her the ideal person for this position," said Christopher Reeve, Chairman of the Board. "She is passionate about our mission, having started her career as a rehabilitation therapist working hands-on with patients. Her success in management, marketing, and corporate development has been outstanding. We are very fortunate to have secured her leadership of the Foundation and look forward to new opportunities and much progress under her tenure." "The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation has done more for the field of spinal cord injury with their paralysis research and quality of life funding programs than any other organization in the world," says Lewis. She adds, "I am honored to be able to uphold that tradition and look forward to working with such a dedicated staff and guiding the Foundation's growth. Working with CRPF is truly an opportunity of a lifetime." "We are thrilled Kathy will be leading the Foundation as we seek to fulfill our ambitious goals," said Joel Faden, CRPF Director and Chairman of the Executive Committee. "Kathy is a strong advocate of our mission and is dedicated to improving the lives of people living with paralysis. She is an innovator and achiever and we are delighted she has joined the CRPF family." Lewis received a Masters of Arts Degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Seton Hall University. She lives in Tenafly, N.J. with her husband and two children. ------ The Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation (CRPF) is committed to funding research that develops treatments and cures for paralysis caused by spinal cord injury and other central nervous system disorders. The Foundation also vigorously works to improve the quality of life for people living with disabilities through its grants program, paralysis resource center, and advocacy efforts. For more information, please call 800-225-0292 or visit http://www.ChristopherReeve.org. |