American Lung Association Appoints Charles Dean Connor as President and CEO

(December 8, 2008)—

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The American Lung Association announced today the appointment of Charles Dean Connor as President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Connor has served for nearly a year as the Lung Association’s Chief Operating Officer, where he has managed day-to-day operations of the national headquarters and has led the strategic planning and positioning of the more than one-hundred year-old public health voluntary organization.

“The American Lung Association Board of Directors is confident in Chuck’s leadership abilities and believes his transition to the role of CEO will be seamless. We are thankful that Chuck has accepted the position and we look forward to continuing to work with such an accomplished executive,” said Steve Nolan, Chairman of the American Lung Association.

Prior to joining the Lung Association, Mr. Connor served five years in the position of Senior Vice President for Communication and Marketing with the American National Red Cross, where he led all internal, external and stakeholder communication and marketing efforts including market research, advertising, events management, entertainment outreach and internet communications. Prior to Red Cross, Mr. Connor was Principal for Client Strategy with The Dilenschneider Group in Chicago, specializing in communications strategy development, litigation support, crisis control, issues management and media relations.

Mr. Connor also served as the first director of Public Affairs for the Federal Judiciary in Washington, D.C., and he spent 25 years as a U.S. Navy public affairs officer, leaving the service with the rank of Captain. Mr. Connor graduated from Loyola University of Chicago Law School and is a member of the bar of both Illinois and the District of Columbia. He holds a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Illinois. His complete bio is available at http://www.lung.org.

About the American Lung Association
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives, improve lung health and prevent lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, a Charity Navigator Four Star Charity and holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org.