About Us
Senior Management
Larry Hausner, Chief Executive Officer
Larry Hausner joined the American Diabetes Association in 2007, bringing more than 20 years of extensive management experience in nonprofits and a strong understanding of mission-driven organizations. His focus areas include a streamlined community programs approach to ensure successful outcomes with populations at the highest risk for diabetes, and the strengthening of the Association's brand identity.
Shereen Arent, Executive Vice President, Government Affairs & Advocacy
Shereen Arent provides strategic direction and oversight of the Association's advocacy efforts, which focus on increasing federal and state funding for diabetes prevention, treatment and research; improving the availability of accessible, adequate and affordable health care; and eliminating discrimination against people with diabetes at school, work, and elsewhere in their lives.
Mary Vaneeda Bennett, Executive Vice President, Development
Mary Vaneeda Bennett spearheads the American Diabetes Association's development area, which incorporates individual giving, direct response marketing, corporate alliances, and estate administration. Bennett originated the Association's Pinnacle Society and has produced significant breakthroughs in fund raising through direct mail, major and planned gifts, and national strategic partnerships.
Greg Elfers, Chief Field Development Officer
Greg Elfers provides senior leadership and strategic direction for the American Diabetes Association's field operations, fund-raising events, and volunteer development. Bringing more than 30 years of nonprofit operations experience to his current role, Elfers is leading efforts to transform the Association from a transactional, event management organization to a relationship building and relationship management organization.
Catherine Harvey, DrPH, RN, Executive Vice President, Community Programs and Publications
Catherine Harvey oversees the American Diabetes Association’s Programs and Publications area, leading activities that cover Prevention & Living with Diabetes, Community Outreach & Implementation, Foundation & Grants, consumer and professional journals and book publishing. A published author and frequent lecturer on health care-related topics, Harvey is managing the Association's Community Programs restructuring efforts to focus on successful outcomes with populations at the highest risk for diabetes.
Debbie Johnson, CPA, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Debbie Johnson joined the American Diabetes Association's Financial Services division as Controller in 1998, bringing an extensive background in auditing and consulting services. Since taking the helm as CFO in 2005, Johnson has spearheaded numerous initiatives to streamline and automate the Association's financial practices to reduce overhead and expedite the flow of funds to key Association programs.
David M. Kendall, MD, Chief Scientific & Medical Officer
David Kendall provides leadership and oversight of scientific and medical activities including research, clinical affairs, program recognition and certification, medical information, and professional education. Kendall oversees the Association’s support of a broad range of professional education activities including Scientific Sessions, the world’s largest scientific meeting devoted to diabetes, as well as the development of the Association’s clinical practice guidelines, clinical consensus reports, and expert opinions.
Don Laing, Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Don Laing oversees the execution of human resource programs and practices designed help the American Diabetes Association recruit and retain the talent needed to achieve its strategic goals and mission. He joined the Association in September 2008, bringing extensive human resources management experience to his current role. Laing is an accomplished speaker on talent management topics and has held various board positions at human resources organizations.
Lois A. Witkop, MBA, Senior Vice President Marketing Communications
Lois Witkop is the primary steward of the American Diabetes Association's core message and brand strategies, working with volunteers and staff to develop and implement innovative marketing and promotional strategies in support of key mission-delivery and fund-raising activities. Witkop is spearheading efforts to heighten awareness of the seriousness of the diabetes epidemic and the Association's brand to increase donations, volunteerism, and event participation.
