Feroce Resigns from Rare Disease United Board after Three Months

The Rare Disease Foundation announced Thursday that former Alex and Ani CEO, Giovanni Feroce, has resigned as the nonprofit’s board chairman effective today.

The resignation came ”in a mutually agreed upon decision between Rare Disease United Foundation’s Executive Director, Patricia Weltin, and Mr. Feroce,” a release stated.

The Rare Disease United Foundation raises awareness about rare diseases and “in under three years, has developed a successful state-based, non-disease specific organization with chapters in Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania,” a release stated.

The resignation comes at almost exactly three months from Feroce’s appointment as chairman of the board.

At the time, board members said they were “very excited” to have him join the board.

“We are growing quickly and Mr. Feroce’s talent for channeling growth and his experience in government relations makes him the ideal chair,” Weltin, the foundation’s executive director and founder at the time. “The Rare Disease United Foundation is made up of volunteers who are rare disease patients and parents who use their journey to effect real change for the 30 million Americans living with a rare disease and we look forward to Mr Feroce’s leadership abilities taking us to many more states across the country.”

Feroce said his focus as chairman of the board would be to focus on creating “an unparalleled awareness and fundraising program.”

His appointment came not long after he resigned his CEO position at Alex and Ani.

Fore more information about the Rare Disease United Foundation, visit www.rarediseaseunited.org