By Katy Sweet & Associates (Patch Contributor) – September 18, 2017 — Heather Cooper Ortner has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles (ALZGLA), it was announced by Mark S. Liberman, Co-Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors. Cooper Ortner will be responsible for overseeing all organizational and administrative duties, providing direct oversight of all programs, and staff and initiating and implementing strategic planning.
“Heather brings a wealth of experience in the healthcare arena to Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles,” said Liberman. “Her proactive approach and passion for her work, coupled with an entrepreneurial spirit make her a valuable asset, particularly as awareness continues to grow for the comprehensive programs and support ALZGLA provides for the entire community.”
Prior to joining ALZGLA, Cooper Ortner served as Chief Executive Officer for the Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation, overseeing all activities of the organization including management of annual and long-term strategic positioning. She also enjoyed a seven-year stint with the International Myeloma Foundation, first as its Vice President, Development and subsequently as Executive Vice President, Development. A graduate of UCLA, Cooper Ortner also served as Director of Development for The Brandeis-Bardin Institute as well as Director, Western Area Development Center for Hadassah.
“I am honored to be joining Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles,” said Cooper Ortner. “By providing a multitude of free programs and on-going assistance, ALZGLA is clearly bringing much needed support to those with Alzheimer’s as well as their family and caregivers here in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. I am grateful to the board of directors for the opportunity to lead this exceptional organization of dedicated and talented professionals. I look forward to helping raise the profile and to increasing funding and efficiency so ALZGLA can serve even more people living with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles is the only local full-service, dementia-focused, nonprofit with 36 years of experience and 5 locations serving Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. ALZGLA provides programs and services free of charge to individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, their families, caregivers and the community. Low cost training and education are also offered for professionals. Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles began as an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1981. 100% of all Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles fundraising stays local, focusing on care, support, advocacy, and research across Greater Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.
Alzheimer’s is a devastating neurodegenerative disease that weakens the memory and other cognitive and emotional functions. For more information, call the Helpline 24/7 at 1-844-HELP-ALZ or visit www.alzgla.org.