Hearst Television's Kathleen Keefe Elected to Board of Directors of The Partnership at Drugfree.org

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Partnership at Drugfree.org, the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to finding evidence-based solutions to adolescent substance use disorders, announced the election of Kathleen Keefe to its Board of Directors. 

Kathleen Keefe is Vice President, Sales, for Hearst Television, Inc., overseeing sales efforts at the company's 29 television stations. Keefe previously served as Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Post-Newsweek Stations, Inc., the television station group of the Washington Post Company. Among her accomplishments at the Post-Newsweek group, she oversaw the creation, development and implementation of a major television environmental campaign, "Get Down to Earth," which was nominated for a national EMMY Award.

"We are honored and excited to have Kathleen join our Board," said Pat Russo, Chairman of The Partnership at Drugfree.org. "With her leadership in communications and expertise in media management and sales, Kathleen will bring great insight and invaluable help as we address the opportunities identified within our five-year strategic plan. I am certain Kathleen will play a significant role as we continue to demonstrate effectiveness among those who engage with our programs and work to cement The Partnership's position as the public's 'go-to' organization in the substance use and addiction field."

Keefe is a graduate of Trinity College in Washington, D.C. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Television Bureau of Advertising, the International Radio and Television Society (IRTS) and the Media Ratings Council. She also serves as the Vice Chairman for the IRTS Foundation Board. She also has served as a director or advisor for numerous civic, charitable and industry organizations including Give Kids the World, Florida Hospital, American Red Cross, United Way, Galleria (Houston) Chamber of Commerce, Houston Advertising Federation, Ronald McDonald House, Greater Hartford Advertising Club and New England Broadcasters Association.

"I first encountered The Partnership at Drugfree.org in the late '80s, when members of my family were at the age when kids begin discovering drugs. Even then an important organization, it has evolved further since, and today is the primary source of information for parents on this vexing problem. It has helped many people I know personally, and countless others. I am delighted and honored to be a part of this great organization and mission."

Steve Pasierb, President and CEO of the organization added, "Kathleen's great personal enthusiasm for the work of The Partnership, combined with her extensive experience serving on boards of trade associations and nonprofit groups, has meant she hit the ground running as a new director and is already involved in board committee work. Add to that her career-long support for delivering our organization's educational messages to the public, and it's clear that Kathleen was an ideal candidate for our board to consider and ultimately to unanimously approve. I look forward to collaborating with Kathleen now even more closely as she helps facilitate our work and joins in fulfilling our mission."

About The Partnership at Drugfree.org
Ninety percent of addictions start in the teenage years. The Partnership at Drugfree.org is dedicated to solving the problem of teen substance abuse. Together with experts in science, parenting and communications, the nonprofit translates research on teen behavior, addiction and treatment into useful and effective resources for both individuals and communities. Working toward a vision where all young people will be able to live their lives free of drug and alcohol abuse, The Partnership at Drugfree.org works with parents and other influencers to help them prevent and get help for drug and alcohol abuse by teens and young adults. The organization depends on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector and is thankful to SAG-AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity. If you or someone you know if struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, please call The Parents Toll-Free Helpline at 1-855-DRUGFREE.

SOURCE The Partnership at Drugfree.org