United Spinal Elects David C. Cooper as New Board Chairman: Strong Support For People With Disabilities

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Jun 27, 2013, 09:05 ET

NEW YORK, June 27, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Spinal Association today announced the election of David C. Cooper, a U.S. Army veteran and wheelchair user as its new chairman of the board.

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Cooper's focus will be to assist United Spinal in becoming the authoritative voice in the disability advocacy community and to strengthen its ability to provide valuable resources to people living with disabilities across the country.

"I want to ensure that we are the go-to organization for information and support for people living with spinal cord injuries and diseases as well as injured veterans," said Cooper.

Cooper looks to lend his strong organizational skills and knowledge of the marketing media industry to encourage new streams of revenue—particularly through United Spinal's growing grassroots movement.

"I'm honored to welcome David Cooper as Chairman of the Board of United Spinal. David's an example of what's possible following spinal cord injury. His keen knowledge of online marketing and publications and his leadership qualities will help guide our outreach to our growing membership, our partners, friends, and the general public," said Paul J. Tobin, president & CEO of United Spinal Association.

In 1987, Cooper was spinal cord injured as a passenger in an automobile accident. The injuries required the Army veteran to spend nearly a year in the hospital and rehabilitation. Cooper studied business and marketing at the University of Montevallo.

He currently serves as president and CEO of Media Solutions, Inc. a full-service publishing and marketing media company. Among the company's portfolio are two industry-leading, BPA Worldwide-audited trade publications, their associated web and digital media platforms, and a robust custom publishing arm.

Cooper will replace Lex Frieden who held the chairmanship for four years and will continue to serve on United Spinal's Board and Executive Committee.

Cooper and his wife Teresa have two daughters and one granddaughter, and live in Pelham, Alabama—a suburb ten miles south of Birmingham.

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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SOURCE United Spinal Association