Jacksonville Business Leader Elected to Head Lung Association Board

Today, the American Lung Association in Florida announced that local business leader Chris Gonzalez was named Chair of the Jacksonville Local Leadership Board of Directors.

Gonzalez is the owner of Huntington Learning Center in Jacksonville. He first became invested in the work of the Lung Association when his father was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. At his first event with the Lung Association six years ago, his team raised three times what they expected.

“Chris is an incredible asset to our local work at the Lung Association. He has a passion for the growth of the Lung Association and the advancement of the organization’s knowledge about lung health,” said Karen Hughes, executive director for the Lung Association. “Thank you to the service of Chris, as well as our full Leadership Board, we are helping Jacksonville residents breathe a little easier.”

The Lung Association’s Local Leadership Board of Directors, which has 13 members, helps lead the organization in its mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The purpose of the Board to is raise the Lung Association’s profile in the community, advocate for lung health, and increase resources to fund local programs and services. Board members impact the work of the Association’s programs and services, public policy, research, and revenue generation.

“I am honored to take on this volunteer leadership position with the Lung Association,” said Gonzalez. “No one should have to endure lung cancer like my father. I hope to carry on my father’s legacy by advancing lung health and supporting life-saving lung cancer research.”

The Lung Association in Florida conducts much of its work with money raised at fundraisers throughout the year. During November, the organization is hosting the first-ever virtual LUNG FORCE Run/Walk, and the annual Lip Sync For Lungs event is scheduled for May 2021. To learn more about the Jacksonville Local Leadership Board, or if you are interested in joining, contact Cindy Springer at [email protected].