Neighbor News
American Lung Association in N.C. appoints four new members
American Lung Association adds new members to board of directors
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 28, 2018) – The American Lung Association in North Carolina has appointed Derek Carpenter, Joseph Giordano, Leisa Lackey and Dr. Debbie Lord to its board of directors. As active members, the new appointees will provide assistance for all activities that advance the American Lung Association in North Carolina’s presence, effectiveness and sustainability in the region.
“We are delighted to announce that the new members will help guide the Lung Association as we work to maximize our mission and strengthen our role as the leading voice for lung disease patients and caregivers across our service area," said Jennifer Hall, executive director of the American Lung Association in North Carolina. “With their experience and passion, we will be able to better serve North Carolina residents living with lung cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other lung diseases. They will help the North Carolina board not only meet but exceed its mission goals.”
Carpenter, vice president of operations at Myers & Chapman, is a member of the company leadership team and is primarily responsible for all operations associated with the office, healthcare and institutional projects.
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“I grew up with asthma,” said Carpenter. “It kept me from doing a lot of things I loved. Unfortunately, I shared it with my son and youngest daughter. I want to make sure that they don’t have the same problems I had. I am thrilled to be a part of the American Lung Association. It is exciting to help with a cause that touches a lot of people in many different ways.”
Giordano is currently a financial advisor with Edward Jones. Prior he worked as a physician assistant within the pulmonary field as well as a hospitalist. Giordano also works part-time in neurology.
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“My father was diagnosed with COPD and pulmonary sarcoidosis several years ago,” said Giordano. “My uncle passed away from pulmonary fibrosis in 2007 and my son Andrew currently has asthma. Over the year I have watched loved ones, friends, clients and patients struggle with what I find to be an effortless task. Breathing. If I can be part of making this effortless again for just one individual, then I would have succeeded in improving the rest of that individual’s life forever."
Lackey, a project manager for Atrium Health is currently working alongside Dr. John Doty, pulmonologist to lead Atrium Health Lung Cancer Screening Initiative. In addition, she is partnering with Dr. Daniel Howard, pulmonologist, and Dr. Amy Clary in leading the Tobacco Cessation Initiative for Atrium Health. Her role within Atrium Health over the past three years has been focused around serving patients with various lung diseases.
“I’m looking forward to expanding my reach within the community to raise awareness and support the strategy of the American Lung Association,” said Lackey.
Dr. Lord is an administrator at Central Piedmont Community College whose work is focused on talent development, specializing in designing learning opportunities for employees’ technical, professional, and personal growth. Both of Lord’s parents struggled with lung-related illness. Her father passed recently due to complications from COPD.
A recent graduate of Leadership Charlotte, Lord sought an opportunity to volunteer in a meaningful way. “Given my family history with lung-related illness, the American Lung Association was a natural and powerful way for me to serve,” said Lord.
For media interested in speaking with new board members or an expert about lung health, contact Britney Reddick at Britney.Reddick@Lung.org or 470-233-7030.
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About the American Lung Association
The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease, through research, education and advocacy. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to improve the air we breathe; to reduce the burden of lung disease on individuals and their families; and to eliminate tobacco use and tobacco-related diseases. For more information about the American Lung Association, a holder of the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Guide Seal, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org.
