Tony Ferlenda named CEO at the National Fragile X Foundation

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Aug 19, 2014, 12:00 ET

WALNUT CREEK, Calif., Aug. 19, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Fragile X Foundation (NFXF), the world's leading advocacy organization for people affected by all Fragile X-associated Disorders, has named Tony Ferlenda as chief executive officer. He will begin on August 25, 2014.

Tony Ferlenda joins the National Fragile X Foundation, the world's leading advocacy organization for people affected by all Fragile X-associated Disorders, as chief executive officer. (PRNewsFoto/National Fragile X Foundation)

Ferlenda has more than 23 years of progressive experience in nonprofit leadership roles. He previously served as chief executive officer for the Sarcoma Foundation of America in Damascus, Maryland, a position he held from 2012-2014. In the prior 13 years, he served as a district director and then chief executive officer of the American Red Cross, Biomedical Services, in Pennsylvania and New York. He also helped lead the Arc of Onondaga County in New York.

Ferlenda earned a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University and a BA in Communication Studies from the State University of New York at Oswego.

"I am delighted to welcome Tony to our organization," said Brad Whitus, president, NFXF Board of Directors. "He brings incredible energy, experience and enthusiasm and will focus on taking the Foundation to the next level."

Ferlenda is excited to begin.

"It is a tremendous honor and privilege to lead the Foundation," he said. "I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, Foundation staff, and the greater Fragile X community to continue building a strong and sustainable future for the Foundation and strengthening resources, research, and support and services for families living with Fragile X."

Ferlenda replaces Jeffrey Cohen, who served with distinction as interim executive director. Although he considered staying on in the executive director role, Cohen ultimately decided to return to his previous position as NFXF director of government affairs.

"Jeff has proudly served the Foundation for more than two decades," Whitus said. "We recognize, thank and appreciate his unwavering commitment, contagious energy and amazing dedication. Under his leadership, we recently concluded our 14^th and best international conference. Jeff has positioned us well for future growth."

Cohen said he appreciates the opportunity to work closely with Ferlenda: "I am thrilled to welcome Tony to the NFXF team and eagerly anticipate our continued Forward progress under his leadership."

Fragile X is the leading-known inherited cause of intellectual disabilities and the leading-known genetic cause of autism. Learn more at www.fragilex.org.

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SOURCE National Fragile X Foundation