Cecile K. Perich Named National Chair for Arthritis Foundation
Contact:
Carol Galbreath
(404) 965-7595
[ATLANTA] (Dec. 18, 2008) – The Arthritis Foundation elected Cecile K. Perich as Chair of its National Board of Directors, at its annual meeting in Atlanta. The all-volunteer board, comprised of key stakeholders from around the country, acts as the governing body of the organization in its mission to prevent, control and cure arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability.
Perich has been an active volunteer with the Arthritis Foundation since 1996 at both the national and local levels. Prior to her election as Chair, she served as Vice Chair of the organization. In addition, she served as Board Secretary and a member of the Executive Committee. Perich has also has chaired several committees of the Board of Directors. She is a Board member of the Arthritis Foundation Maryland Chapter and served as its Chair in 2002 and 2003.
“Cile’s experience and dedication to the Arthritis Foundation proves that she will be a valuable asset to our National Board of Directors,” said Dr. John H. Klippel, President and CEO of the Arthritis Foundation. “I am confident her contributions at the national level will further our organization’s commitment to helping individuals take control of this disease.”
“It is an honor to serve at the national level for a cause in which I strongly believe,” said Perich. “Currently, 46 million Americans (one in five) are living with arthritis, and by volunteering for the Arthritis Foundation I hope to make a positive, lasting impact on their lives.”
Professionally, Perich is the global Vice President, Human Relations for McCormick & Co. Inc.. In this role, she provides strategic leadership for the human relations function across the $3 billion, global food company with 8,000 employees.
Perich received a Master of Business Administration degree from Johns Hopkins University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.
About the Arthritis Foundation
The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of some 46 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s most common cause of disability. Founded in 1948, with headquarters in Atlanta, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country.
The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $400 million in research grants since 1948. Celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2008, the foundation helps individuals take control of their arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. Information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-800-283-7800 or www.arthritis.org.
# # #
