SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Alzheimer’s Association today announced that Elizabeth Edgerly, Ph.D., has been named executive director of its Northern California/Northern Nevada chapter effective Oct. 1. Dr. Edgerly is currently the chief program officer for the chapter, and has held a central leadership role since 1995.
“The Northern California/Northern Nevada chapter is one of our highest performing chapters, and Elizabeth has been key to that success,” said Harry Johns, president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association. “In addition to being a leader in program delivery, she has proven to be a leader in all elements of our strategic plan, as well as an effective communicator. She can speak with authority to the scientific community, and with compassion to families affected by Alzheimer’s.”
During her time with the Alzheimer’s Association, Dr. Edgerly distinguished herself by creating a robust and multifaceted care and support organization with consistent growth. In the latest fiscal year, the chapter had over 500,000 contacts with families, over 40,000 of which were in person or by phone. She established the chapter as a key partner within the scientific community, and founded the chapter’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Council, which comprises leading Alzheimer’s researchers from Stanford, UC San Francisco, and UC Davis, among others.
Dr. Edgerly also created innovative partnerships with local medical centers to enhance patient and caregiver services, most notably co-creating the Association’s partnership with California Pacific Medical Center’s Ray Dolby Brain Health Center. She also served on the Center for Disease Control’s task force to create the The Healthy Brain Initiative: The Public Health Road Map for State and National Partnerships, 2013–2018. Women Health Care Executives named Dr. Edgerly Woman of the Year in 2013 for her work on behalf of the more than 200,000 families facing dementia in Northern California.
Karen Stevenson, chapter board chair, said “After an extensive nationwide search, I am thrilled that Elizabeth emerged as the strongest candidate to lead our chapter at this important stage in our efforts to end Alzheimer’s. In addition to her qualifications, Elizabeth’s character and leadership style will sustain the culture of compassion that has been central to our organization’s success.”
The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, and the Northern California/Northern Nevada chapter is the largest in the Association’s network.
“I am proud to lead this outstanding organization,” said Dr. Edgerly. “Alzheimer’s is growing at an alarming pace as the baby boomers reach their senior years. We’re here to help families access trustworthy information and services throughout the course of the disease.
“Scientists are making progress in developing better tests and treatments for those affected, and the future looks promising. I’m eager to get started and, together with my colleagues, do all we can to realize our vision of a world without Alzheimer’s.”
Before joining the Alzheimer’s Association, Dr. Edgerly received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Binghamton University in New York and postdoctoral training in geropsychology at the VA Medical Center in Palo Alto. She is a licensed clinical psychologist, published researcher, and active spokesperson on topics related to brain health and Alzheimer’s science. Originally from Maine, she resides with her husband and son in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Dr. Edgerly succeeds William H. Fisher, who led the chapter for 29 years and will retire on Sept. 30.
About the Alzheimer’s Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer's®. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
