The American Tinnitus Association Names Cara James as its New Executive Director

PORTLAND, Ore., Aug. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Tinnitus Association (ATA) announced today that Cara James will be its new Executive Director and lead its mission to find a cure for tinnitus. ATA is the nation's foremost organization committed to curing tinnitus, commonly referred to as "ringing in the ears."

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"I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to lead such an important organization," said James. "With tinnitus increasing as a serious health condition in various at-risk populations, like veterans, musicians and even children and teens, there is tremendous potential to help these patients and to grow ATA's services and impact globally. I look forward to working with ATA's Board of Directors, staff and supporters in the coming years to raise awareness of ATA and the ever growing necessity to find a cure," she said.

An estimated 50 million people in the United States have tinnitus. According to data analyzed from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control, 16 million suffer from chronic tinnitus and have sought medical attention for their condition. The leading cause of tinnitus is exposure to loud sound which can harm an individual's auditory system and the second leading cause is head or neck trauma. Tinnitus is also the leading service-connected disability for U.S. veterans.

"Recent advances in tinnitus research, including cellular, molecular and imaging studies have highlighted specific areas of the brain involved in tinnitus generation and perception," said Thomas J. Lobl, Ph.D., Chair of ATA's Board of Directors. "These breakthroughs have created an optimism within the tinnitus community that increased funding for tinnitus research will now accelerate these new findings into viable treatments for tinnitus patients, which is at the very core of ATA's mission. As a seasoned nonprofit professional with a proven fundraising background, ATA's Board is pleased that Ms. James will help ATA fulfill its mission by enabling the research community to restore silence to the millions worldwide who suffer from this condition," concluded Lobl.

Before joining ATA, Ms. James was the founder and Executive Director of Bola Moyo, an international nonprofit organization working in Malawi, dedicated to empowering and improving the health and lives of youth in Africa. She was also a delegate to the World Social Forum in 2007 in Nairobi, Kenya and participated in forums and workshops focused on formulating action plans and networks to impact positive global change. She has served on the Board of Jubilee Oregon, a nonprofit advocacy organization focused on decreasing poverty in the world and earned her B.A. in Communications from California State University, Chico.

About the American Tinnitus Association
The American Tinnitus Association, headquartered in Portland, Ore., is the nation's foremost organization committed to curing tinnitus. For over 40 years, ATA has helped patients understand and manage the "ringing in their ears." ATA exists to cure tinnitus through the development of resources that advance tinnitus research. Founded in 1971, ATA has contributed millions of dollars to medical research projects focused on curing tinnitus. The association also provides information to the public and advocates for effective public policies that support its mission of curing tinnitus and the needs of tinnitus patients. ATA.org.

Contact: Jennifer Born
(503) 248-9985 x215, [email protected]

SOURCE American Tinnitus Association