Dr. Diana Silimperi to Lead Abt Associates' International Health Division

BETHESDA, Md., June 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Abt Associates has appointed Dr. Diana Silimperi, a public health pediatrician and epidemiologist with more than 25 years of experience leading the implementation of primary health care and health system strengthening in developing countries, as Division Vice President for International Health.

"Diana brings vision, strategic leadership and an impressive track record of success in implementing health care projects around the world," said Jay L. Knott, Executive Vice President for Global Business at Abt Associates. "I am thrilled that she is joining our team and will continue building on our work to improve the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide."

Before joining Abt Associates, Silimperi worked at Management Sciences for Health, where she was a member of the leadership team and vice president in charge of MSH's Center for Health Services, managing 750 staff worldwide.  Over the last four years at MSH, she brought together three separate health units as one center and implemented a strategy for growth, strengthening health impact, and diversification, nearly tripling the size and scope of the center. 

"Abt Associates is known world-wide for the rigor of its work to improve health outcomes and the talent of its staff," said Silimperi. "I look forward to working with this dedicated team to strengthen health systems and ensure that more people have access to high-quality health services and care."

Silimperi has specialized expertise in maternal, newborn and child health, family planning, and TB/HIV. She is also an expert in health system strengthening, with in-depth experience in quality of care, performance-based financing and rebuilding systems in post-conflict countries. She has been an advocate for the special health needs of the urban poor throughout her career, and is a founding member of the International Society for Urban Health.

Silimperi earned both her B.S. in Zoology/Psychology and her M.D. from Duke University, where she was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and AOA, the medical honor society.

About Abt Associates
Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms in 2011 and also named one of the top 40 international development innovators.  The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in nearly 40 countries. www.abtassociates.com

SOURCE Abt Associates