The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, has named Kandi Pickard as president and chief executive officer (CEO) effective immediately. Ms. Pickard most recently served as interim president and CEO, where she set a clear vision for the future of NDSS with her push to address caregiving and adult issues. As she takes on the permanent president and CEO role, her focus will be on working side-by-side with all constituency groups ready to tackle issues across the lifespan.

NDSS Chairman of the Board, Gordon Spoor, emphasized Kandi’s insight into the disability movement. According to Mr. Spoor, because of her experience as a mother in the community as well as her experience with NDSS, Ms. Pickard was the most exceptional choice for president and CEO.

The mission of the National Down Syndrome Society is to be the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. The organization provides state-of-the-art, comprehensive programming to all individuals with Down syndrome and their families. The organization envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity to enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming communities.

This was reported by the National Down Syndrome Society on July 11, 2019. 

Contact information: Joshua Harlow, Vice President of Communications, National Down Syndrome Society, 8 East 41st Street, 8th Floor, New York, New York 10017; 405-850-4471; Email: jharlow@ndss.org; Website: www.ndss.org