ALEXANDRIA, VA--(Marketwired - Jan 22, 2014) - The American Diabetes Association (Association), the nation's largest voluntary health organization leading the fight to Stop Diabetes®, is pleased to announce that Ann Meredith, a recognized non-profit leader, has been named Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia and Southern New Jersey area, effective January 21. Meredith will be responsible for strategic, fundraising and program initiatives, along with development of staff, volunteers, and the Community Leadership Board chaired by Joseph McHale, a senior partner with the Philadelphia-based law firm of Stradley Ronan Stevens and Young, LLP.

Meredith brings an extensive executive background in nonprofit leadership, business development, strategic planning and corporate relations to the Association. In her most recent role, she served as president of her own non-profit consulting firm, providing management, strategic planning, communications, marketing and fundraising consulting to various organizations. From 2007 through 2009, Meredith served as Chief Executive Officer of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, where she led the successful merger of three councils to create one of the largest in the nation. Prior to that role, for 10 years, Meredith served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lights of Liberty, Inc., which produced the acclaimed Lights of Liberty Show. In that capacity, and as the co-founder and President of the Independence Mall Business and Residents Coalition, Meredith fostered program and funding partnerships and with educational, community, government, business and tourism agencies.

"I am drawn by the urgency of the American Diabetes Association's mission. The people of our region are suffering from an epidemic that is compromising the lives of our families, friends and neighbors," said Meredith. "By 2050, as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes. We are all at risk -- but the Association offers us hope. If we marshal our community resources, together we can help put an end to this epidemic and bring urgently needed help to those who are suffering."

Meredith holds a Masters in government administration from Fels School of Government, University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts in public affairs and government from Mount Vernon College/The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. She also completed leadership and professional development courses provided by The Harvard School of Social Enterprise, the Disney Business Institute, Girls Scouts of the USA and Temple University's Fox School of Business.

The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight to Stop Diabetes® and its deadly consequences and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, the Association's mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. More information about program and services is available at www.diabetes.org or1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.