National Stroke Association Appoints Matt Lopez as Next CEO

CENTENNIAL, Colo., Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Stroke Association, the only national nonprofit dedicated 100 percent to stroke, has appointed  veteran business and marketing executive Matt Lopez as CEO. Lopez brings 20 years leadership and business experience working with national and global markets and international brands.

Lopez has held a variety of executive leadership positions working to build brands and transform organizations. He comes to National Stroke Association from EB Brands UK, where he served as CEO. He held prior leadership positions with De Beers, Universal Studios, and Mattel.

For the last 30 years National Stroke Association has provided significant impact to the stroke community through programs of prevention, treatment, and post-stroke care and empowered survivors and their circle of care to thrive after stroke. Lopez, a stroke survivor, will lead the organization in its next phase of strategic growth that includes building a national platform for the stroke community.

"Lopez brings a personal perspective to stroke, having experienced one himself, and years of experience in leading national and international organizations to achieve success and exceed goals. We know that this impressive combination of talents will lead our organization to the next stage of growth," said Dr. Michael D. Walker, Chairman of National Stroke Association Board of Directors.

Lopez experienced a stroke in 2011 on a business trip flying from Miami to London. He collapsed on a plane at Heathrow Airport as a blood clot had moved from his leg to the back of his brain. Lopez had a family history of stroke but was not prepared for what happened that day. He was lucky to have been diagnosed quickly and rushed to a team of doctors who were able to save his life.

"Like so many other stroke survivors, my stroke was unexpected and very personal," said Lopez. "I am humbled and excited to be able to give back to the stroke community using my personal experience as a stroke survivor as well as my leadership and business experience to build upon National Stroke Association's legacy and strengthen its reach and impact through strategic growth."

Following his stroke, Lopez became a committed advocate for stroke care, including the reorganization of stroke services for the National Health Services (NHS) London and the UK Secretary of State for Health's Strategic Planning Committee for Long Term Stroke and Cardiovascular Care.

"I am aware of the stroke community's growing, critical need—from general awareness of the disease and its impact, to recognition of life-saving stroke warning signs, to tools and resources that guide survivors and their support systems along their unique road to recovery. We will not only work towards filling these needs, but will also continue to identify and address the ever-changing needs of this underserved community," added Lopez.

"I am ecstatic that someone of Lopez's caliber rose to the top of the list and I am very confident that he will have a tremendous impact on the stroke community," said George Davis, Vice Chairman National Stroke Association.

About National Stroke Association
National Stroke Association is the only national organization in the U.S. that focuses 100 percent of its efforts on stroke by developing compelling education and programs focused on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and support for all impacted by stroke. Founded in 1984, the organization works every day to meet its mission to reduce the incidence and impact of stroke.

Press Contact: Clair Diones
[email protected]
303-754-0919

SOURCE National Stroke Association