ORLANDO - The American Lung Association in Central Florida announced that five local business and medical leaders have been elected to the Local Leadership Board of Directors.

The Lung Association’s Local Leadership Board of Directors, which has 17 members, helps lead the organization in its mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The purpose of the Board is to raise the Lung Association’s profile in the community, advocate for lung health, and increase resources to fund local programs and services. Board members impact the work of the Association’s programs and services, public policy, research, and revenue generation.

“These new board members will be incredible assets to our local work at the Lung Association. Their insight and experience are critical to our work in the community,” said Janelle Hom, Executive Director for the Lung Association. “Thank you to the service of these individuals, as well as our full Leadership Board, we are helping Central Florida residents breathe a little easier.”

The new elected Leadership Board members are:

·       Christian Plocica, Chief Operating Officer at VIP Mortgage Group

·       Sharday Harrell, Realtor at eXp Realty

·       Bruce Brown, Respiratory Therapist at Nemours Children’s Hospital

·       Justin Smith, Biomedical Technician, Clinical Engineering Technician at Nemours Children’s Hospital

·       Dr. Matthew Johnston, Thoracic Surgeon at the Orlando Health Cancer Institute

This year’s board leadership includes:

·       Andrew Irvin, Esq., Irvin & Irvin PLLC – Board Chair

·       Dr. Rick Ramnath, Neuroskeletal Imaging – Chair-Elect

·       Joseph Frey, RRT, Vapotherm – Nominating Chair

·       Eddie Fisher, RICP®, CFPA®, Raymond James – Immediate Past Chair

The Lung Association in Central Florida conducts much of its work with money raised at fundraisers throughout the year. On February 19, the organization will host its annual Fight For Air Climb at Exploria Stadium, and the organization’s LUNG FORCE Run/Walk is scheduled for May 7 at SeaWorld Orlando. Learn more about local fundraising events at Lung.org.