American Lung Association in California Welcomes SDG&E Executive John Sowers as Chair of the San Diego Leadership Board

SAN DIEGO (July 13, 2016) – The American Lung Association in California is pleased to welcome John Sowers, vice president of electric distribution for San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E), as the new Chair of its Leadership Board in San Diego. As Board Chair, he will provide strategic guidance, financial oversight, and fundraising assistance for the organization.

“Mr. Sowers has been a long-time supporter of the Lung Association, and we are confident that his insight and expertise as our new Board Chair in San Diego will bring us one step closer towards our vision of a world free from lung disease,” said Jeff Wheeler, Managing Director, American Lung Association in California – San Diego. “We are thankful for the leadership of Jennifer Ziegaus Wahl, our past Board Chair and CEO of Southwest Strategies, for her role in furthering our mission of saving lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.”

As Vice President of Electric Distribution, Sowers is responsible for all aspects of electric distribution operations, including the distribution operations control center, electric regional operations and construction services for SDG&E, one of Sempra Energy’s regulated California utilities. He joined the Sempra Energy family of companies in 2002, and held various management roles prior to his current position. Sowers has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Thomas Edison State College, and a certificate in finance from Harvard Business School’s Executive Education program.

Sowers has been involved with the Lung Association since 2014 as a board member where he introduced new partners and relationships to the organization. He has been a key advocate for the Lung Association in its partnership with SDG&E on various organizational initiatives including the LUNG FORCE Walk, Gala, and The Air We Share, a new initiative focusing on improving air quality in the San Diego region.

The American Lung Association in California is the leading health organization dedicated to fighting threats to lung health including lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), tobacco smoke and air pollution. The Lung Association recently launched LUNG FORCE, a national movement focused on battling lung cancer in women as well as raising awareness for women’s lung health.

About the American Lung Association in California
Now in its second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing 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 or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lung.org/california.