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Media Contact:
Courtenay Bennett, Lifelong AIDS Alliance
(206) 957-1640
For Immediate Release
May 30, 2007
Executive Director Tina Podlodowski to Leave Lifelong AIDS Alliance. Director of Programs David Richart named Interim Executive Director
Seattle, Wash.—May 30, 2007—Today Lifelong AIDS Alliance announced that Executive Director Tina Podlodowski will be leaving the agency effective June 15, 2007 to become CEO and President of Big Brothers Big Sisters serving King, Pierce and Jefferson County. Lifelong’s Director of Programs, David Richart, has been named Interim Executive Director as the Board of Directors conducts a nationwide search for her replacement.
Under Podlodowski’s direction, Lifelong became the fifth largest AIDS Service Organization in the country, with a client base of more than 3,300. During her tenure, Lifelong grew from a $6 million organization with 55 employees to a $15 million organization with 95 employees, caring for double the number of clients. Chicken Soup Brigade (CSB), Lifelong’s Nutrition Program, expanded to serve anyone living with a life-challenging illness, and specializes in caring for people from communities of color and immigrant communities. CSB now serves more than 1,500 clients, and has won both a prestigious $500,000 capacity building grant from the MAC AIDS Fund, as well as another $500,000 investment from the Washington State Legislature to measure health care cost savings produced through Medical Nutrition Therapy. Seattle Magazine named Lifelong AIDS Alliance the “Best Place to Volunteer” in 2006, and Podlodowski grew the organization’s volunteer base to more than 800 people.
“I’m very sad to be leaving Lifelong but thrilled with the work we’ve been able to accomplish,” Podlodowski said. “We’ve made a national name for ourselves in public policy, and a regional reputation as an amazingly well-run agency – all thanks to 95 great staff members, 800 great volunteers and thousands of great donors.”
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we want to thank Tina for her work in growing the agency as Executive Director, and wish her the best at Big Brothers Big Sisters,” said Lifelong’s Board Chair Marc England.
Podlodowski also expressed excitement and confidence in the naming of David Richart as Interim Executive Director.
“David Richart brings eight years of experience as Lifelong’s Director of Programs to his role as Interim Executive Director and he’ll do an amazing job,” Podlodowski said.
About Lifelong AIDS Alliance
Lifelong AIDS Alliance provides food, housing and health insurance to people living with HIV/AIDS in King County. Lifelong also provides prevention education and is a leader in local, regional and national advocacy for people living with HIV/AIDS. More than 85% of Lifelong AIDS Alliance's clients live on less than $15,000 per year. With a $16 million budget, Lifelong AIDS Alliance is the leading AIDS service organization in the Pacific Northwest and is recognized nationally for its innovative work. The AIDS WALK is the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. More information about Lifelong is available at www.llaa.org.
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