WASHINGTON, DC, June 18, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Colon Cancer Alliance recently announced the election of three new members to serve on its national Board of Directors. At the organization's quarterly meeting, Chairman Kevin Lewis welcomed the newest directors: Heather Dean, Associate Executive Director of Finance and Administration, National School Board Association; Jose Mendoza Silveiras, MD, PhD, Vice President of Clinical Operations, National Research Institute; Kitt Shapiro, founder and creator of Simply Eartha™.
"Each new Board member brings extensive experience and leadership in their particular field," says Kevin Lewis. "We see their passion and fresh perspectives shining through as they lead us into our 16th year of service and beyond."
Each of these professionals brings a unique expertise, connection to the cause and commitment to the organization's vision for a world free of colon cancer:
Heather Dean is the Associate Executive Director of Finance and Administration at the National School Board Association (NSBA). Prior to joining the NSBA, Dean's career spanned many positions in both the non-profit and corporate industries, to include Deputy Executive Director of Programs and Operations at the National Parent Teacher Association, Senior Auditor for PricewaterhouseCoopers not-for-profit/higher-education team, Manager of Financial Reporting and Analysis for a major national association and Senior Financial Analyst and Sarbanes Oxley officer for a publicly traded energy company. She holds a degree in Economics and Accounting from Gettysburg College and is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Virginia.
Jose Mendoza Silveiras, MD, PhD, has more than 15 years of experience managing clinical studies around the world. He currently serves as the Vice President of Clinical Operations for the National Research Institute in California, overseeing clinical operations in multiple therapeutic areas. He is also a Patient Representative for the Food and Drug Administration, where he provides insights to the advisory committee and the FDA on issues, problems and questions pertinent to patients and evaluates risks-benefits of clinical research. Prior to the National Research Institute, Dr. Mendoza worked with the United States Navy, National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases and others with a focus on preventing infectious disease in underserved populations. He received his medical degree with a specialty in general surgery and completed his residency in infectious diseases at the Central University of Venezuela. In 2008, he joined the Colon Cancer Alliance as a volunteer, furthering his commitment to cancer prevention and patient support.
Kitt Shapiro is the daughter of late international star Eartha Kitt, who passed away from colon cancer in 2008. She is the founder and creator of the Simply Eartha™ lifestyle brand and served as president of Eartha Kitt Productions for more than 20 years. Her work with her mother was highlighted by her own Grammy nomination as executive producer of Eartha Kitt's CD, "Back in Business." Shapiro attended Barnard College/Columbia University before beginning a successful modeling career. She studied interior design and worked in the fashion industry before taking on the responsibilities of running her mother's company. Shapiro has taken it upon herself to share her mother's story and bring attention to the importance of colon cancer screening and early detection.
For a full list of Colon Cancer Alliance board members, visit ccalliance.org/about/boards .
The Colon Cancer Alliance's mission is to knock colon cancer out of the top three cancer killers. We are doing this by championing prevention, funding cutting-edge research and providing the highest quality patient support services. Read more information about the Colon Cancer Alliance at ccalliance.org .
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Colleen Pyra 949-554-4098
