The Arthritis Foundation South Central Region Board of Directors has named Susan Carter as the new Chief Executive Officer of the South Central Region headquartered in Dallas, TX. Carter succeeds Karen Stern, who recently retired from the Foundation. The Arthritis Foundation's mission is to prevent, control and cure arthritis, the nation's most common cause of disability. The Foundation's South Central Region serves the people of Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

Ms. Carter has vast non-profit experience having recently served in several key high level positions at Susan G. Komen for the Cure for nearly 20 years. Prior to joining the Komen organization, Ms. Carter owned and operated her own public relations, marketing and special events firm in Dallas, specializing in non-profit sectors, as well as the food, beverage and hospitality industries. She is a graduate of Texas Christian University with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism and Public Relations.

"Susan's experience and dedication to the local non-profit community proves that she will be a valuable asset to the Arthritis Foundation as our Regional Chief Executive Officer, said Bill Huff, Chair, South Central Region Board. "I am confident her contributions will further our organization's commitment to helping individuals take control of this disease. That's because Susan is ideally suited to provide a strong influence throughout the region with all of our volunteers, sponsors, donors and partners," Huff added.

"It is an honor to serve our communities in the South Central Region for a cause in which I strongly believe," said Carter. "The painful impact of arthritis is unacceptable. Currently, 50 million Americans (one in five) are living with arthritis, including nearly 4 million Texans, 820,000 Oklahomans and 372,000 in New Mexico. I hope to make a positive, lasting impact on their lives through my work with the Arthritis Foundation," she added.

Carter's appointment was made following a formal board search led by Jim Johnston, Dallas independent banking professional, to identify a new CEO. Joining Johnston on the search committee were: Stan Rickner, Tulsa, OK; Brian Harris, Oklahoma City, OK; Alison H. Moore, Dallas, TX and Pam Massey, Houston, TX. Lon McClimon, management consultant, who has assisted with a variety of organizational and related matters since early 2011, served during the interim and assumed responsibility for day-to-day operations of the South Central Region until Ms. Carter's position became effective this month.

I can't tell you how excited I am and how much I am looking forward to working with the Arthritis Foundation to strengthen and grow the South Central Region," said Carter. "As the population of those we serve continues to increase, we must step up our efforts to make a significant impact on the quality of life. The Arthritis Foundation has a dynamic network in the South Central Region and I feel certain those we engage will embrace the mission and support our life-altering programs and research enabling people to live long and healthy lives."

The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org) is committed to raising awareness and reducing the unacceptable impact of arthritis, which strikes one in every five adults and 300,000 children, and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. To conquer this painful, debilitating disease, we support education, research, advocacy and other vital programs and services.