T.J. Martell Foundation Appoints New CEO

NEW YORK, May 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tony Martell, Founder and Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation announced today that Laura Heatherly, Executive Director of the T.J. Martell Foundation Southern Region, was named Chief Executive Officer.  Heatherly, who has been with the Martell Foundation for over seven years, has a background that includes twenty-five years of experience in non-profit fundraising.  

"We are very fortunate to have someone from within our ranks who is qualified for this position.  Laura has done a phenomenal job for us in Nashville and other parts of the south.  I am sure she will do an equally fine job on a national level. Laura will take the place of Peter Quinn, who will be retiring early next year. Peter did an outstanding job as CEO of the Foundation, and we're going to miss him," says Founder and Chairman Tony Martell.

Prior to the non-profit sector, Heatherly followed a sports marketing path with companies such as Texas Rangers Baseball, the Harlem Globetrotters and the Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee.  "I am honored to have this wonderful opportunity with such a fine organization that focuses on the mission of funding innovative research for leukemia, cancer and AIDS," said Heatherly.  "My immediate focus is to cultivate new relationships with corporate America and create new out-of-the-box ideas that will combine the music, medical and business communities with our fundraising initiatives."

The T. J. Martell Foundation is the music industry's largest foundation that funds innovative medical research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDS.  The Foundation funds eleven top research hospitals in the United States and has raised more than $250 million since its inception in 1975.  

"I am extremely pleased to have Laura on board to lead our team of volunteers and staff to a new level for the Foundation," said Ron Hartenbaum, Principal of WYD Media Management and President of the T.J. Martell Foundation.  

The Foundation currently has three offices in New York, Nashville and Los Angeles, and raises funds through special events, private and corporate contributions.  To learn more about the T.J. Martell Foundation, log onto www.tjmartellfoundation.org.  To reach Laura Heatherly, call (615) 256-2002 or email [email protected].

SOURCE T.J. Martell Foundation