American Brain Tumor Association Announces New Hire to Support National Expansion

-- Leticia J. Kees Joins the ABTA as Director of Programs and Outreach --

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Sep 10, 2015, 10:22 ET

CHICAGO, Sept. 10, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA) announced today that Leticia J. Kees, MS, most recently Susan G. Komen's Director of Community Programs, has joined the ABTA as director of programs and outreach.

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Kees' position was created to meet the ABTA's growing needs as the organization pursues a nationwide grassroots expansion. As director of programs and outreach, Kees will be responsible for designing and implementing the ABTA's education programs; growing programs that are delivered by staff and ABTA CommYOUnity™ volunteers; and building relationships with allied health professionals at the local level.

"We're thrilled to have Leticia join the organization during an exciting period of growth," said Elizabeth M. Wilson, president and CEO, American Brain Tumor Association. "Her experience creating strategic partnerships with medical centers and community health providers to deliver patient-centric community programs will help the ABTA reach people in need of these services in communities across the country."

Prior to joining the ABTA, Kees served as community programs director at Susan G. Komen. She was responsible for developing and implementing the strategic priorities for the Chicago affiliate and its five-county service area. Kees managed a portfolio of $1.5m and 22 organizations that provided breast cancer navigation, screening/diagnostics, treatment and treatment support. Some of the programs that Kees developed for the Chicago affiliate have been replicated in other markets across the country.

Kees holds a B.S. in Community Health Planning & Promotions from Indiana State University and a Master of Science in Community Economic Development from Southern New Hampshire University.

"Now more than ever, the ABTA is in a position to expand its reach to ensure information and educational services are getting to those who need them when it matters most," said Kees. "I look forward to helping the ABTA build and execute programs and services that demonstrate our commitment to patients, caregivers and families who are touched by this devastating diagnosis."

The ABTA is a leader in advancing the understanding of the causes, effects, diagnosis and treatment of brain tumors. In May, the ABTA launched the first nationwide brain tumor volunteer network dedicated to serving the brain tumor population and cause. Branded ABTA CommYOUnity, the network is the result of surveys and focus groups of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals across the country to identify the most pressing needs for patients and families upon receiving and then living with a brain tumor diagnosis. Results validated the necessity for more education and resources for patients and families as well as a strong desire for greater opportunities for volunteer engagement. To learn more about ABTA CommYOUnity go to www.abta.org/commYOUnity.

ABOUT THE AMERICAN BRAIN TUMOR ASSOCIATION
Founded in 1973, the American Brain Tumor Association was first and is now the only national organization committed to funding brain tumor research and providing education and information on all tumor types and for all age groups. For more information, visit http://www.abta.org or call 800-886-ABTA (2282).

CONTACT: Julie Landmesser
219-201-4228
[email protected]

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SOURCE American Brain Tumor Association