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FAAN Founders to Retire in 2008

Anne Muñoz-Furlong and Terry Furlong, Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) co-founders, have announced their plan to retire in the second half of 2008. “FAAN is in a strong position internally and is well poised for continued growth. This is a great time to step down and turn over the reins to new leadership,” said FAAN CEO Anne Muñoz-Furlong.

Since its inception in 1991, FAAN has consistently delivered on its mission of awareness, education, advocacy, and research. Many more Americans are aware of food allergy than in the past, a large array of educational tools are available to help manage food allergy in children, significant legislation has been passed to help those with food allergy avoid allergens, and food allergy research has made great strides.

Dr. Hugh Sampson, FAAN’s Medical Advisory Board director and world-renowned food allergy expert, said, “I have had the pleasure of working with Anne since FAAN was simply an idea in her mind and have watched it mature into the well-run support and advocacy organization it is today. Anne and Terry have devoted nearly two decades of their lives to this organization and have always thought first about ‘what is best for the patients and their families.’ I can only wish Anne and Terry the best as they move into the next phase of their lives, but I fully expect to see them continuing their fight for patients with food allergies in their new capacity.”

Frank Yiannas, chairman of the Board of the Directors of FAAN, added, “Anne Muñoz-Furlong has inspired a lasting movement in the U.S. and around the world. She has combined science-based decision making, passion, commitment, and organizational skills in creating and establishing FAAN. Thanks to Anne and Terry, we have an extremely solid foundation to continue to advance our mission.”

The Board of Directors has created a search committee to ensure an orderly transition to a new CEO and to continue to serve our members. Anne Muñoz-Furlong will work with the new CEO during a transition period.

Anne Muñoz-Furlong Answers Questions About Her Retirement

Why did you pick this particular time to step down?

Intuitively, I believe this is the right time for a transition. We have a strong Board of Directors, a dedicated, competent staff, and wonderful support from all our stakeholders. FAAN is poised for continued strong growth and leadership in the food allergy arena. I am confident that the organization is strong and will continue to serve the thousands of families who depend on us to keep their children safe. If I had any doubt about this, I would not have elected to retire.

Will you still be involved in FAAN after you leave?

Yes. While I will not be involved in day-to-day operations, I will continue to be involved on the Board level and will be available to the CEO as needed.

What are your plans for the future?

I will continue to find a way to be of service to others. I’d like to continue to write and to work on behalf of children. First, however, I want to relax, catch up on reading, and spend more time with my family and in my flower garden.

How will FAAN select a successor?

The FAAN Board of Directors has created a search committee that will select the new CEO. The new CEO will be introduced on our website and in Food Allergy News.

When will you step down from FAAN?

Terry and I are committed to helping make the transition to new leadership as smooth as possible for the organization. We will stay until the incoming CEO is identified and able to take over the reins.

Will FAAN change its focus under new leadership?

FAAN’s focus will always be the safety and good of our members, particularly the children we serve.

About FAAN

Founded in 1991, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the world leader in information, resources, and programs for food allergy, a potentially life-threatening medical condition that afflicts as many as 15 million Americans, including almost 6 million children. A nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, Va., FAAN is dedicated to increasing public awareness of food allergy and its consequences, to educating people about the condition, and to advancing research on behalf of all those affected by it. FAAN provides information and educational resources about food allergy to patients, their families, schools, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, and government officials. On May 9, 2012, FAAN announced its intent to merge with the other leading food allergy organization, the Food Allergy Initiative, pending state regulatory approval. To become a member or for more information, please visit FAAN at www.foodallergy.org.

Media Contact

Nancy Gregory
Media Relations
(703) 563-3066
E-mail: ngregory@foodallergy.org