Easterseals Announces New Chairman of its National Board of Directors

CHICAGO, Nov. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Easterseals, the indispensable resource for families facing disability, today announced it elected Joseph G. Kern to serve as Chair of its National Board of Directors, taking on the organization's lead volunteer and governance role. Kern succeeds Rick Davidson, President and CEO of CENTURY 21 Real Estate, LLC, who served as Chairman since Oct. 2013, and will remain on the Board of Directors as the immediate past chair engaged particularly in leading philanthropic efforts.

Kern, Senior Vice-President, Darden Restaurants, Inc., brings years of experience and leadership in real estate and development, as well as passion for the disability cause.   

"Joe has made a profound difference to so many people living with disabilities for nearly 30 years," said Randy Rutta, President and CEO, Easterseals. "His years of management, experience, and dedication in business and at Easterseals will make him an effective and valuable leader of our National Board of Directors—carrying on a strong legacy of Easterseals volunteers."

Kern's first interaction with Easterseals all began with a friendly softball game at a fundraiser in 1988. This led him on the path of volunteering. Since then, Kern has served regionally at Easterseals Florida as chairman, 1st and 2nd vice chairman, treasurer, and secretary, in addition to chairing the affiliate's Fiscal, Program, Development, and Strategic Planning Committees. Kern has served on Easterseals National Board of Directors since 2009, holding an elected position since 2014. Most recently, Kern served as 1^st vice chairman of the board, chairman of the Governance Committee, and chairman of the Affiliate Relations Committee.

"I am looking forward to working hand in hand with Randy Rutta and to making sure I and the Board are a resource for him and the National Easterseals team," said Kern. "We have a very strong National Board and I am very happy to have their support."

About Easterseals
For nearly 100 years Easter Seals has been the indispensable resource for people and families challenged by disabilities. Now, as America faces a broad range of new issues, we make a major, positive, life-changing difference in the lives of people and families facing today's disabilities. The work we do every day is redefining disabilities for the 21^st century. For more information, please visit easterseals.com.

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