American Lung Association Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Hires to Advance Lung Health

To work towards its mission to end lung disease, including lung cancer, the American Lung Association today announced the addition of two new executives, Stacy Dilling as chief marketing officer, and Anita Nelson as chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer.

The addition of the two executives is part of an ongoing effort by the Lung Association to further invest in lung health education, advocacy and lifesaving research. It is also part of its commitment to advance diversity, equity and inclusion priorities internally and externally.

“This year, 2024, marks the 120th anniversary of the American Lung Association. During this time, we are celebrating the incredible achievements of our organization in advancing lung health. We are also investing in our programs, research and talent to further our work to address all current and future lung health threats like catastrophic wildfires, youth vaping and persistent health disparities,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “Stacy and Anita will help us address these growing lung health threats head-on, with strategic and collaborative approaches. We are honored to have Stacy and Anita join the American Lung Association Family.”

Dilling will serve as the chief marketing officer for the Lung Association, where she will lead the team who executes all strategic communications and marketing campaigns. She is a highly accomplished marketing executive with a successful track record in brand management, team leadership, integrated communications, digital marketing and media. In her previous role as executive director of marketing & communications at the Field Museum of Natural History in Chicago, she excelled in leading go-to-market activities, emphasizing the institution’s commitment to science and inspiring discovery. Under her leadership, the museum surpassed business goals with increased attendance and revenue. Before joining the Field Museum, Dilling spent over 17 years in the advertising agency world in New York and Chicago, including roles at FCB and Saatchi & Saatchi. 

Nelson, the new Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer for the Lung Association, holds a pivotal role as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. In this capacity, she will collaborate closely with the Executive Leadership Team and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council to validate and execute the organization's comprehensive diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy. Nelson is a seasoned professional in diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA). Recognized as a 2023 Notable Leader in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion by Crain’s Chicago, she is a subject matter expert, showcasing her prowess in DEIA, supplier diversity, cultural programming and community engagement. As the director of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility at Navy Pier, she was instrumental in developing Navy Pier's first-ever DEIA Strategic Plan and Community Engagement Strategy. Her leadership extended to overseeing Navy Pier's DEIA Committee, implementing workforce diversity practices and forging authentic partnerships to eliminate the racial wealth gap in Chicago. Prior to Navy Pier, she was the Director of Inclusion and Engagement at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in the Athletic Division. Here, Nelson oversaw executive boards, established diversity fan engagement initiatives and led the Equity Diversity Council.

Learn more about Dilling, Nelson and the American Lung Association executive leadership team here.