“I’m proud to have been part of the Arthritis Foundation’s evolution into a premier regional non-profit organization that helps support those affected by the nation’s leading cause of disability,” said Stern. “The Arthritis Foundation’s dedicated staff, volunteers and Board Members have put the organization on solid footing, and I’m confident that the Foundation is well positioned for its next phase of growth and development,” she added.Stern began her career with the Arthritis Foundation in 2004 as the CEO of the North Texas Arthritis Foundation and helped raise more than $1 million in her first year. She later implemented the plan to launch the Texas Chapter in 2006, and became its CEO raising approximately $2.5 million. Stern subsequently launched the South Central Region merging the Texas Chapter with two Chapters based in Oklahoma in 2009. In 2010, the region raised more than $4 million and recently added New Mexico to its territory.“Karen was instrumental in supporting arthritis-related research to benefit our constituents,” said Jim Johnston, Search Committee Chair. “Her contributions and achievements have made a positive impact on our organization and our community. During her tenure Karen helped secure more than $7 million in grants benefitting local research facilities, which ultimately supports the Foundation in its efforts to find a cure,” he added.Stern also spearheaded initiatives to launch advocacy efforts and affect public policy on behalf of the Arthritis Foundation. Significant milestones include the first statewide legislation passed creating the Texas Arthritis Program in 2005, and the first statewide Fight Arthritis Pain Day in 2011. Stern, and her staff, also helped generate more than 4,000 electronic supporters for the Arthritis Foundation Advocacy Network.Enhanced and expanded programming is another hallmark of Stern’s lasting legacy. Under Stern’s leadership, the South Central Region hosted the National Juvenile Arthritis Conference in Houston in 2009. The region later cultivated and expanded its own outreach efforts and programs to support children challenged with Juvenile Arthritis.
Thanks to Stern, the region has extended its reach to numerous families in need by implementing Juvenile Arthritis programs and awareness activities in more than 15 different communities throughout the region today.
“Karen played an integral role in helping the Arthritis Foundation generate funds to support life-changing research that has restored mobility in patients throughout the South Central Region, said William H. Huff, Board Chair. “Karen also championed regional efforts for access to quality health care, and through innovative management she helped provide transformative programs for those in our region who live with arthritis every day,” Huff said.
“On behalf of the Board and everyone at the Arthritis Foundation, I would like to thank Karen not only for her leadership over the last 7 ½ years as President and CEO, but also for the dedication and commitment that she has given to the Foundation and to the communities that we serve,” Huff continued. “The Board is committed to conducting a thorough search to identify the right candidate to serve as the Foundation’s next CEO and we will complete the search as expeditiously as possible.”
The Arthritis Foundation (www.arthritis.org KEYWORD “Texas”) 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.