FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Carla Zbacnik, Marketing Director Alzheimers Association Minnesota-North Dakota 952.857.0526 office; 651.587.3080 cell carla.zbacnik@alz.org

Alzheimers Association Minnesota-North Dakota Hires Susan Spalding as Executive Director

(MINNEAPOLIS/ST. PAUL June 28, 2012) The Board of Directors of the Alzheimers Association Minnesota-North Dakota is pleased to announce that Susan J. Spalding will join the organization as its executive director starting on August 1, 2012. The Alzheimers Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimers care, support and research.

The Board is very pleased and excited to have Sue Spalding leading our organization, said Steve Machov, Chair of the Alzheimers Association Minnesota-North Dakota Board of Directors. Sue possesses an inclusive leadership style that will serve our organization well as she carries our mission forward in support of the people we serve in Minnesota and North Dakota. She brings a proven record of success in growing an organization that supports and assists people dealing with a devastating disease.

Spalding comes to the Alzheimers Association from The ALS Association, Minnesota/North Dakota/South Dakota Chapter, where she has served as the executive director since 2001. In her 11 years at the ALS Association, she substantially grew its revenue allowing that organization to expand the chapters services and service area to include North and South Dakota. Prior to her work with ALS, Spalding was the executive director of the Lakes Arts Center in Okoboji, Iowa, for several years.

I'm honored to be part of the dedicated Alzheimers Association team and look forward to expanding visibility of the programs and services they provide, said Spalding. With an aging baby boomer population, the country is facing unprecedented economic challenges. It is extremely important to address the expanding Alzheimer crisis now and to help the families, caregivers and the more than 100,000 people currently living with this disease in Minnesota and North Dakota.

Spalding holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from Iowa State University. Currently, she lives in St. Michael, Minnesota, with her family.

For more information on Alzheimers disease and related dementias, visit www.alz.org/mnnd or call the Alzheimers Association Helpline at 1.800.272.3900.

About the Alzheimer's Association The Alzheimers Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimers care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimers 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 Alzheimers. For more information, visit www.alz.org/mnnd.

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