Health

DiabetesSisters Board of Directors Announce Interim CEO

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Michele Polz, Interim CEO

“Thank you to the Board for this tremendous honor and Anna for building a solid foundation. DiabetesSisters is on a growth trajectory as we expand our reach into communities nationwide, empowering women living with diabetes to take charge of their health and well-being.” – Michele Polz, Interim CEO


RALEIGH, N.C. (PRWEB)

Anna Norton, MS, has announced her decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer of the organization, effective March 31, 2023. She will remain active in the health advocacy community.

The Board of Directors has named Michele Polz interim Chief Executive Officer effective March 31. Ms. Polz’s roots are deeply connected to DiabetesSisters, first as an industry partner responsible for its initial funding in 2009 and later joining the Board of Directors in 2016, serving as Chair of the Board from 2020-2021. She has driven the organization’s vision and mission toward its success.

Over the last eight years, the DiabetesSisters team led by Ms. Norton has worked collaboratively to elevate the organization into a vital resource for women living with diabetes. Highlights include:

  • building a Board of Directors to include the representation and interests of those with diabetes;

  • orchestrating virtual and in-person programming to reflect the needs of over half a million women through conferences, seminars, and online and printed resources in English, Spanish, Bengali, Gujarati, and Hindi, as well as launching a five-city outreach program to reflect the diabetes needs of African American, Hispanic/Latino and Indian population;

  • creating a membership program to include the needs of industry partners and DiabetesSisters, working with institutions of higher learning to drive research, and collaborating with other nonprofits to expand reach and knowledge of the intersection of diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease;

  • aligning the organization with a long-term strategic growth map to meet the demands of the marketplace while securing the organization with financial footing to carry out its strategic plans; and

  • exploring new technologies with Digital Health & Artificial Intelligence partners.

Deborah Greenwood, Ph.D., RN, BC-ADM, CDCES, FADCES, DiabetesSisters’ Chair of the Board, said, “DiabetesSisters is grateful for Anna’s dedication and determination to flourish the organization. Her leadership has provided local, national, and international recognition as a leading diabetes-focused organization for women. The Board is confident that Ms. Polz’s experience and expertise will continue to elevate DiabetesSisters during this transition period. DiabetesSisters is searching for the next CEO to carry on the mission and drive DiabetesSisters into new strategic growth areas.”

Michele Polz, Interim CEO, said, “thank you to the Board for this tremendous honor and Anna for building a solid foundation. DiabetesSisters is on a growth trajectory as we expand our reach into communities nationwide, empowering women living with diabetes to take charge of their health and well-being. I look forward to working with the Board, DiabetesSisters community members, and industry partners to drive strategic growth and plan during this transition period.”

About DiabetesSisters:

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, DiabetesSisters, is the only national organization focusing exclusively on women with diabetes. Our mission is to improve the health and quality of life of women living with and at risk of diabetes and to advocate on their behalf. DiabetesSisters has a 50,000+ member peer network that unites women with diabetes for support, education, and advocacy. Signature programs include monthly peer support meetings (PODS Meetups); the Welcoming Diversity, Elevating Voices Program; the annual Leadership Institute for volunteer peer support leaders; online expert articles, blog posts, and forums. For more information, visit diabetessisters.org.

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