Sandra C. Raymond, chief executive officer (CEO) of the Lupus Foundation of America (Foundation) announces the appointment of Stevan W. Gibson as president of the Foundation.

Gibson joins the Foundation's senior leadership team to advance medical research on lupus, stimulate the development of an arsenal of new treatments, improve early diagnosis of lupus, and provide expanded support services that people with lupus depend on to manage the life-altering impact of this mysterious, unpredictable and potentially fatal autoimmune disease.

"I'm delighted to welcome Steve to the Lupus Foundation of America," said Raymond. "Steve is a mission-driven leader who shares our patient-first focus and will join our tireless efforts to improve the lives of all people impacted by lupus. We welcome his extensive experience in drug development, fundraising, community relationship building, strategic planning and organizational management. He is an important addition to the team working to solve the cruel mystery that is lupus."

Gibson brings to the Foundation strong executive management experience gained in the private, public and social sectors, including nearly 20 years with The ALS Association where he served most recently as Chief Mission Strategy and Public Policy Officer. In addition to his tenure with The ALS Association, Gibson has consulted with global corporations and served other national and governmental organizations, including the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the White House and Pharmaceutical Research Manufacturers of America (PhRMA).

"There is great urgency to expand the medical research effort on lupus and create additional support and services for all those impacted by the disease," said Gibson. "I'm honored to join such a prominent and effective organization that is leading the fight against lupus. The positive impact of the Lupus Foundation of America's work is impressive, stimulating and contributing nearly $100 million for robust medical research and education efforts. Now, we are building upon this momentum and launching a new platform to further enhance our efforts to bring an end to lupus. We must advance drug development and overcome the very real challenges that have prevented new and better treatments from reaching those who are living with the disease. And we must do it as fast as possible because people living with lupus simply don't have time to wait."

For more information about lupus and the Lupus Foundation of America, visit lupus.org.