FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NDSS Contact:
Michelle Sagan
media@ndss.org
301-728-0447
National Down Syndrome Society Announces New Board of Directors Leadership and Members
New York, NY (Sept. 24, 2021) – The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome, is pleased to introduce their newly elected board chairwoman, executive committee and board members.
At the 2021 NDSS Annual Meeting on September 23, Tiffany Barfield was elected as the new chair of the NDSS Board of Directors, succeeding Charles Symington who has served in the role since 2020. Prior to becoming chairwoman, she served as vice-chair and secretary of the Board. Tiffany resides in New York City, NY and is the Senior Director, Policy and Advocacy at NAF, a national network ensuring high school students are future ready.
“I am extremely proud and honored to support the work of NDSS and the Down syndrome community in this role,” stated Barfield. “NDSS has a track record of making a tremendous impact on the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families, and I look forward to continuing to advance our mission with the Board and staff. This is a personal calling for me, and I am dedicated to ensuring that the rights of those with Down syndrome are upheld, from access to quality education and entry into the workforce to the care and respect that they deserve.”
The NDSS Board of Directors also elected a seasoned executive committee to work alongside the new chair. Recent treasurer Carlo Frappolli will serve as vice-chair and Heather Lavallee will continue as secretary. Long-time board member Tony Gostkowski will assume the role of treasurer. Additionally, Misty Holmes, John Short and Thomas Warner were welcomed as new members of the Board.
Misty Holmes is the Executive Director leading Advanced Technology Requirements and Capabilities at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. She has been involved with NDSS since her daughter Alison was born with Down syndrome in 2010 and served on the board of the Down syndrome Partnership of North Texas for five years.
John Short is a Partner in Ernst & Young’s (EY) U.S. Global Public Sector Practice Assurance and has more than 20 years of combined experience as an auditor and consultant serving a diverse group of clients. He and his wife Naomi have a four-year-old daughter with Down syndrome named Olivia.
Thomas Warner is the Vice President of Lockheed Martin’s Undersea Warfare (USW) Programs market segment within the Rotary and Mission Systems (RMS) business area. He also serves as general manager of Lockheed Martin’s Manassas Operations in Northern Virginia. Thomas and his wife Ingrid have two sons, Isaac and Eli. Thomas has been a strong supporter of the Down syndrome community since the birth of Isaac in 2008 and previously served as a board member for the Down Syndrome Association of Central Florida (DSACF).
“Our new board members, executive committee and chair bring tremendous expertise, dedication and energy to our Board of Directors,” said NDSS President and CEO Kandi Pickard. “I am excited to work with them to expand and enhance our programs advocating for and supporting the Down syndrome community. We have significant goals for the coming years, and I know these volunteer leaders will help us in achieving them.”
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About NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) is the leading human rights organization for all individuals with Down syndrome. NDSS 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. Founded in 1979, NDSS supports and advocates for the Down syndrome community by focusing on three key areas of programming: Resources & Support, Policy & Advocacy and Community Engagement. Within these focus areas NDSS engages in various activities, events and programs on topics that are critical to our community such as federal and state advocacy and public policy, health and wellness, education and employment. NDSS creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families and caregivers across the lifespan and hosts community events throughout the country including the National Buddy Walk® Program, the Times Square Video presentation and New York City Buddy Walk®, Racing for 3.21 for World Down Syndrome Day, Run for 3.21, DC Golf Outing, the annual NDSS Gala & Auction and various other events. Visit www.ndss.org for more information about NDSS.