PANDAS Network Announces New Executive Director
Palo Alto, CA (PRWEB) January 26, 2016 -- PANDAS Network is pleased to announce the appointment of JC Konecny as its new executive director, effective immediately. JC succeeds Diana Pohlman, PANDAS Network’s founder who has served as executive director since the organization’s founding in 2009.
Diana will remain in a leadership position as board chair and work alongside JC to ensure a smooth transition as PANDAS Network continues its mission to improve the diagnosis and treatment of children with PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) and PANS (Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome). Diana will remain on the board as executive director emeritus indefinitely. The PANDAS/PANS community will always be grateful for her contributions to the organization and the field as a whole.
JC Konecny comes to PANDAS Network with an impressive background in medical sales, business management and event planning. After receiving a degree in journalism from the Grady College at the University of Georgia she began her career in medical sales. She ultimately left the industry to start a consulting company focused on connecting high caliber event planners with medical and corporate clients. JC became passionate about serving the PANDAS community of patients and physicians after her own daughter became ill with the disease at age 5.
“My experience working with and selling in the medical environment taught me that our medical system is far from perfect,” said JC. “Doctors are under enormous pressure to see patients quickly and aren’t afforded the time to dig deeper into the cause of an illness. Medical science is ever-changing and we must change with it.”
The PANDAS Network board of directors welcomes JC with confidence that she has the skills and vision to advance the goals of the organization while staying true to the core values and priorities defined at its inception. PANDAS Network has been a beacon for families and the medical community during the critical years in the evolution of PANDAS/PANS. Armed with an impressive network of doctors, researchers and scientists, PANDAS Network strives to collaborate with subject matter experts, build public awareness, provide family support and gather data and resources to better inform parents, physicians, educators and other stakeholders.
Recent research has dispelled much of the early controversy that muddled acceptance of PANDAS/PANS. The disease is entering a new era of acceptance and opportunity now that the controversy is largely over.
PANDAS Network looks forward to exciting achievements on the horizon and new growth under the leadership of JC Konecny.
Kathy Silverstein, On The Marc Media, http://www.onthemarcmedia.com, +1 410-963-2345, [email protected]
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