United Spinal Appoints Darren Brehm, Experienced Business Leader and Strategist, as New Board Member

NEW YORK, April 9, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association today announced the appointment of Darren Brehm, a Kraft Foods director and wheelchair user from Northbrook, Illinois as a member of its Board of Directors.

Brehm will utilize his business experience to assist United Spinal in optimizing its strategy, programs, and sustainability so the organization can better serve more individuals living with spinal cord injuries and disorders nationwide.

"I was interested in joining the board because I want to serve the community of individuals with spinal cord injuries and disorders and I see my involvement with United Spinal as a fantastic vehicle to achieve this goal," said Brehm.

"Since becoming involved with United Spinal, I have come to find that I am very aligned with its mission. I also have found its leadership very impressive and engaging. I look forward to working together with all the board members to achieve great things for the disability community during my tenure," added Brehm.

Brehm currently works as associate director of North America Ingredients Procurement at Kraft Foods. In that capacity, he successfully manages a $950M budget to enhance productivity, supply, and lead innovation with a team of 13 procurement professionals.

Prior to working at Kraft, Brehm was engagement manager at McKinsey & Company where he fostered client relationships, led teams, and built client and team capabilities.

"It's an honor to welcome Darren to our Board of Directors. Besides being a proven leader and talented business professional, Darren has a thorough understanding of the issues facing people with disabilities. He will be a tremendous asset to United Spinal as we embark on new and exciting initiatives," said Joe Gaskins, president & CEO of United Spinal Association.

Brehm received his Masters of Business Administration from Harvard Business School in 2007, graduating in top 10 percent of his class. In 2002, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from San Diego State University.

Among his community accolades, Brehm served as peer ambassador at the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago to help individuals with spinal cord injuries transition back into their communities.

About United Spinal Association
United Spinal is a national 501(c) (3) nonprofit membership organization formed in 1946 by paralyzed veterans and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all Americans with spinal cord injuries and disorders (SCI/D), including multiple sclerosis, spina bifida, ALS and post-polio. It played a significant role in writing the Americans with Disabilities Act, and made important contributions to the Fair Housing Amendments Act and the Air Carrier Access Act. Membership is free and is open to all individuals with SCI/D. United Spinal was instrumental in getting New York City to create sidewalk curb ramps and accessible public transportation that has been used as a model for many United States cities.

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Media contact:
Ahvi Spindell                                                                 
Media Relations Services
United Spinal Association                                             
(212) 580-4567                                                                
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SOURCE United Spinal Association