GERALD C. WEINBERG NAMED TO MDA NATIONAL LEADERSHIP

TUCSON, Ariz., July 14, 2006 – Gerald C. Weinberg of Tucson has been elected to the Board of Directors and named President & CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Gerald C. Weinberg, President & CEO of the Muscular Dystrophy Association

During today’s annual meeting in Los Angeles, Weinberg was named to succeed Robert Ross, MDA’s longtime chief executive who died last month. Weinberg joined the staff of the Association in 1957, when it was based in New York, and its leadership in 1963, when he was named campaign director.

In 1976, Weinberg became director of field operations. In that capacity, he directed nationwide fund-raising efforts, attracted new sponsors and implemented several innovative programs, some of which have been widely adopted by other nonprofit organizations. He served most recently as senior vice president and chief operating officer.

MDA’s national headquarters are located in Tucson.

Also at the meeting, Pete Morgan, vice president for eastern divisions, and Ronald J. Schenkenberger, director of research administration, were named senior vice presidents.

“I’m delighted that the Board has passed the reins of MDA to Jerry Weinberg,” MDA National Chairman Jerry Lewis said. “His experience and commitment to the fight against neuromuscular diseases will invigorate our search for cures and treatments.”

Also at the meeting, three Tucsonans were re-elected to one-year terms as MDA vice presidents, volunteer leaders who provide counsel in their areas of expertise to support the lifesaving programs and activities of the national health organization.

They are: Benjamin W. Bauer, a director of the Fennemore Craig law firm; Ginny Clements, chairman of the board of Golden Eagle Distributors; and Robert B. McMahon, chairman and CEO of Metro Restaurants.

“These fine Tucsonans bring extraordinary dedication and strong leadership skills to the mission of MDA,” Weinberg said. “Their contributions to the Association’s mission are of inestimable value.”

MDA is working to defeat more than 40 neuromuscular diseases through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education. MDA maintains 235 clinics nationwide, including one at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center in Tucson, which is also the site of an MDA/ALS Center for research and treatment of those with Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon will be broadcast on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-4. The Telethon may be seen on KGUN-TV, Channel 9, in the Tucson area. This will mark the 37th year the station has carried the event. The MDA Telethon originates from the South Coast Hotel in Las Vegas.

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