David Brint
retires after eight years of distinguished service; Petrou to lead
effective July 1, 2024
COLUMBIA, Md., June 27,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foundation
Fighting Blindness, the driving force in the global development of
treatments and cures for blinding diseases, announced today the
appointment of Karen Petrou as Board
Chair, effective July 1, 2024. Petrou
succeeds David Brint, who is
retiring after eight years of dedicated service.
Petrou's appointment marks a significant milestone as she
becomes the third person to hold the position in the Foundation's
52-year history and is the first female Board Chair.
"We are thrilled to welcome Karen
Petrou as our new Board Chair," says Jason Menzo, CEO of the Foundation Fighting
Blindness. "Karen's extensive experience in both the financial
services industry and her deep personal connection to our mission
make her the ideal leader to guide us forward. Her strategic
vision, combined with her passionate advocacy for those affected by
blinding diseases, positions her perfectly to lead the Foundation
into a new era of innovation and progress. Notably, her work
alongside her late husband Basil on HR 3437, the Long-term
Opportunities for Advancing New Studies (LOANS) for Biomedical
Research Act, has the potential to advance many more treatments and
cures, including those for eye and retinal conditions. I also want
to extend my heartfelt gratitude to David
Brint for his exceptional leadership and the lasting impact
he has made on our organization."
Karen Petrou, a seasoned leader
and advocate, brings a wealth of experience to her new role.
Diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at 18, she has been a
passionate supporter of the Foundation's mission since joining the
Board in 2006. Petrou is the co-founder and managing partner of
Federal Financial Analytics, Inc., a firm providing analytical and
advisory services on legislative, regulatory, and public-policy
issues affecting financial services companies doing business in the
U.S. and abroad. She has also been a prominent voice in the
financial services industry, testifying before the U.S. Congress,
and has spoken before various U.S. Federal Reserve Banks, the
European Central Bank, the Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency, the International Monetary Fund, the Clearing House, the
Bank Policy Institute, the Institute of International Bankers, the
Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association, the Japanese
Diet, and many other governmental, industry and academic
groups.
"I am deeply honored to step into the role of Board Chair for
the Foundation Fighting Blindness," said Petrou. "Having witnessed
firsthand the transformative work of the Foundation, I am excited
to continue building on the incredible progress made under David's
leadership. Together, we will accelerate the development of
treatments and cures for blinding diseases."
In her new role, Petrou will lead the Board and ensure strategic
planning and oversight, set high governance standards, and ensure
the organization continues to expand revenue channels to drive new
milestones and achievements for the mission. She has been serving
as Executive Vice Chair of the Board since July of 2023, working
closely with Brint, the Board of Directors, and the Foundation's
executive team, preparing for her newly appointed role.
"Serving as the Board Chair for the Foundation Fighting
Blindness has been a great honor. I am immensely proud of what we
have accomplished and confident that Karen is the perfect
successor," says David Brint. "Her
strategic vision and dedication will undoubtedly propel the
Foundation to new heights, and I look forward to supporting her and
continuing to be highly engaged as a member of the Board."
Petrou has also previously served on the boards of various
banking organizations and now sits as a director on the board of
the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation. Her leadership is anticipated to
bring fresh perspectives and continued progress in the fight
against blinding diseases.
About the Foundation Fighting Blindness
Established in
1971, the Foundation Fighting Blindness is the world's leading
private funding source for retinal degenerative disease research.
The Foundation has raised more than $915
million toward its mission of accelerating research for
preventing, treating, and curing blindness caused by the spectrum
of blinding retinal diseases including: retinitis pigmentosa,
macular degeneration, and Usher syndrome. Visit
FightingBlindness.org for more information.
Media Contact:
Chris
Adams
Vice President, Marketing & Communications
CAdams@FightingBlindness.org
410-423-0585
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SOURCE Foundation Fighting Blindness