FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE ON June 10, 2015

American Brain Foundation Appoints New Executive Director

MINNEAPOLIS -

The , founded by the (AAN), has named Jane Ransom as its new Executive Director in support of its mission to fund research to cure brain diseases. Ransom is a veteran fundraising executive, having served as executive director or president of several other leading non-profit organizations, most recently the Girls Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. The American Brain Foundation funds research to develop new treatments and find cures by identifying and supporting both Clinical Research Training Fellowships and the most impactful research, recognizing breakthroughs in one brain disease may lead to breakthroughs in another. “Our efforts will be focused upon a momentous decision made by the American Brain Foundation’s Board of Directors to significantly expand the foundation's role and impact in curing brain disease,” said Ransom. “We plan to position the American Brain Foundation for major growth so that we can invest major funding in cutting-edge medical research needed to cure a whole constellation of brain diseases, including Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, ALS and many others.” Ransom was president and chief executive officer of Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania from 2009 to 2015, an organization with 35,000 members across 30 counties. Previously, she served as executive director of the Washington, DC,-based International Women’s Media Foundation, the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota and as executive director for Central Pennsylvania Legal Services. She also has been chief executive of Women and Foundations/Corporate Philanthropy and of the community development corporation Woodside on the Move, located in New York City. Ransom has held numerous consulting and volunteer positions in the philanthropic sector. In 2013, she served on the national strategic planning committee of AFS USA, the international student exchange organization, and in 2014 she served on the national strategy team of Girl Scouts of the USA. Ransom also has been a member of the executive committee of the Women’s Fund of The Foundation for Enhancing Communities and of the board of directors of the Harrisburg Rotary Foundation. Ransom holds a master’s degree in public administration from the Bernard M. Baruch College of City University of New York and bachelor’s and master’s degrees in history from Kent State University. Ransom replaces Catherine M. Rydell, CAE, who led the AAN’s recent decision to expand the American Brain Foundation and will continue to serve as the Executive Director and CEO of the AAN, the world’s largest association of neurologists. The AAN created the American Brain Foundation in 1992. The American Brain Foundation is committed to funding crucial research to discover causes, improved treatments, and cures for brain and other nervous system diseases. Learn more at or follow us on , , and .

The ��ɫ���� is the leading voice in brain health. As the world’s largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 40,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN’s mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.

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