NEWS
For Immediate Release 202.289.7661
November 20, 2007
Contact:
Brendan McTaggart, Communications Director
brendan.mctaggart@healthlaw.org
Emily Spitzer Named Executive Director of the National Health Law Program (NHELP)
(Washington) Emily Spitzer has been named Executive Director of the National Health Law Program (NHeLP), a nonprofit, public interest law firm founded in 1969 that works for justice in health care for low-income people. She will replace longtime NHeLP Director Laurence M. Lavin on January 7, 2008, and will be based in NHeLP's Washington, DC office.
"I'm excited to have the opportunity to lead an organization that has already contributed so much over so many years, said Ms. Spitzer. There is still much work to be done, and I'm confident that NHeLP will continue to be the leading voice for health care justice for low-income people.
Ms. Spitzer comes to the National Health Law Program with a wealth of experience in law, health care, and fundraising. She served as the director of the District of Columbia Bar Foundation from 2002-2005, where she brought together the D.C. Bar, the legal services community, private law firms, and the Courts to create the D.C Access to Justice Commission. While she was there she also quadrupled private gifts to the Foundation. Ms. Spitzer has held numerous staff and board positions with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, from 1989 to the present. Under her leadership JDRF focused its funding and increased its impact. Spitzer has also been staff attorney and acting legal director for the NOW Legal Defense & Education Fund. Most recently, she was a fundraiser and strategist for the successful Spitzer for Governor campaign. Emily Spitzer holds degrees from Harvard University and Georgetown University Law Center.
"This is an exciting time of transition for NHeLP, said the program's outgoing director, Laurence Lavin. Emily brings a sensitivity to NHeLP's family of partner advocacy organizations and a strong new voice to be heard on behalf of our clients."
"Emily Spitzer possesses a demonstrated record of accomplishment, leadership and commitment that will help advance NHeLP's mission," said NHeLP Board Chair Donn Ginoza. We are delighted to have her aboard."
For nearly 40 years, the National Health Law Program has worked for justice in health care for low-income people, minorities, the elderly, and people with disabilities. NHeLP's lawyers are renowned for their expertise in Medicaid, children's health, reproductive health, language access to health care, and racial disparities in care. NHeLP has offices in Los Angeles, Washington, and Chapel Hill, North Carolina. For more information, visit NHeLP?s website at www.healthlaw.org.
Emily Spitzer and Donn Ginoza are available for comment. For more information, please contact Brendan McTaggart at 202-289-7661 or brendan.mctaggart@healthlaw.org.
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