CHADD Leadership Changes

LANDOVER, Md., Sept. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Clarke Ross, DPA, CEO of Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) for the past ten years, resigned effective September 2, 2010.

"Clarke made a significant difference in the stature of CHADD and the recognition of ADHD during his tenure," commented Steve Peer, president of CHADD's board of directors. "Many of his achievements will live within the organization long after he has left."

Among these achievements was the establishment of CHADD's National Resource Center on ADHD, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which provides information on every aspect of ADHD in both children and adults.

Ross's strong commitment to diversity resulted in a series of 42 community forums designed to reach out to underserved populations, where ADHD often goes undiagnosed and untreated. CHADD developed a strong partnership with the National Medical Association, which led to an NMA resolution recognizing the impact of ADHD on African Americans.

During his tenure, CHADD hosted a series of Congressional briefings on the impact of ADHD. More than 600 people visited their senators and representatives during CHADD's Day on the Hill, which Ross organized.

CHADD also met the highest standards for nonprofits by complying with the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and the National Health Council Standards of Excellence.

Ruth Hughes, PhD, will serve as Interim CEO. Board president Peer stated, "CHADD is fortunate to have an internal candidate who can move into the leadership position while the board organizes a search process. Her experience as a CEO, a psychologist and a mother of a young adult with ADHD gives her a unique combination of talents that will help CHADD to tackle the challenges facing it today."

Hughes has served as Deputy CEO and Chief Program Officer at CHADD. She has taken on many responsibilities during her five-year tenure, including public policy, chapters, membership, and CHADD's Parent to Parent and Teacher to Teacher training programs. Under her leadership these programs have impacted thousands of families throughout the country.

The mother of a 23-year-old son with ADHD and learning disabilities, Hughes is also a clinical psychologist. Prior to her tenure at CHADD, she was CEO of IAPSRS, a national association representing psychiatric rehabilitation programs, for more than 17 years. She also served as CEO of a Maryland state organization for psychiatric rehabilitation and as executive director of the psychiatric rehabilitation program of Johns Hopkins Hospital.

SOURCE CHADD