National Tourette Syndrome Association Announces the Appointment of New President

BAYSIDE, N.Y., July 23, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The national Tourette Syndrome Association, Inc., the only national, voluntary non-profit membership organization for people with Tourette Syndrome, has named Annetta Hewko as its new President. Annetta will succeed Judit Ungar, who retired on July 7 from the position she had held for 18 years.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130723/DC51827)

Watch the 2-minute video news release with Judit and Annetta here: http://www.tsa-usa.org/TSANewPresidentVideo.html.

"We are confident that Annetta has the knowledge, passion and leadership skills to continue to carry out the mission of the TSA," said Reid Ashinoff, Chairman of the Board of Directors of TSA. "Annetta brings enthusiastic and visionary leadership to an organization that is continually growing to meet the needs of our increasing population as more people are diagnosed and need support. We look forward to her insight and strategic perspectives as we begin this exciting new chapter of the TSA."

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the TSA as we continue our journey of growth and support to families and patients, to the scientific and medical communities, and to our Chapters and volunteers,' Annetta said. "I am personally passionate about the cause and professionally excited about the opportunity to build upon the incredible base of accomplishments of Judit and the terrific staff of TSA. I am grateful to the Board of Directors for their confidence in me to guide this organization into the next chapter."

Annetta has extensive executive experience developing global strategies and programs, leading diverse teams and businesses, building collaborative alliances, and developing world-class capabilities in different countries, cultures and sectors. She brings a pioneering spirit with a drive for results and a passion for people to this leadership opportunity.

Most recently, Annetta shared her experience and expertise working as a consultant to clients in both the for-profit and not for-profit sectors. In her previous role as Vice President of Global Strategies and Programs for Susan G. Komen for the Cure ®, Annetta led the organization's international outreach efforts through dynamic growth. She crafted the roadmap for expansion and fostered strategic alliances and local partnerships in more than 25 countries to deliver real mission impact.

Before joining Komen, Annetta had a long international career at PepsiCo Inc., spanning nearly 17 years and the globe, living in several different countries and holding general management, marketing and sales roles covering Europe, Africa and the Middle East and other international geographies. Prior to PepsiCo, Annetta consulted with Corporate Decisions Inc. and held sales and marketing roles at Work/Family Directions and at Hewlett-Packard. She started her career as a Manufacturing Engineer at Western Publishing Company.

Annetta earned her M.B.A. from The Kellogg School at Northwestern University and a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, from the McCormick School also at Northwestern University. An ardent internationalist, she speaks several languages and has traveled the globe extensively. Annetta resides in CT with her husband and two children.

Marked by involuntary vocal sounds and physical movements called tics, Tourette Syndrome is an inherited neurological condition frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed, affecting more than 200,000 Americans. Founded in 1972 in Bayside, the national Tourette Syndrome Association is celebrating its 41st year and has a three-pronged mission to identify the cause of, control the effects of, and to find a cure for Tourette Syndrome through education, research and service. The TSA directs a network of 33 Chapters and more than 150 support groups across the country. For more information about TS, call 1-888-4-TOURET or visit http://tsa-usa.org and on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Inquiries:
Tracy Colletti-Flynn
[email protected] 
718-224-2999

SOURCE Tourette Syndrome Association