New Partnership for a Drug-Free America Chairman Named

The Board of Directors of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America today named Patricia "Pat" F. Russo Chairman of the national non-profit organization that exists to help parents prevent, intervene in and treat drug and alcohol use by their children.

Russo assumes the Chairmanship effective February 1st from Roy J. Bostock, who was named Chairman in 2002 after the sale of Bcom3 Group Inc. to the Publicis Group. Bostock, Chairman of Yahoo!, Vice Chairman of Delta Airlines and a Director of Morgan Stanley, will remain an active member of the Partnership board, working closely with Russo to further the organization's commitment to helping parents protect their children against the risks of drug and alcohol use. Bostock was preceded in the Chairman role by James E. Burke, former Chairman of Johnson & Johnson.

"With Pat Russo joining us as Chairman, the Partnership is reaffirming its commitment to effective, groundbreaking communications. We are poised to complete our evolution into the premier online and community education resource helping parents safeguard their children from the risks of drugs and alcohol," said Bostock. "Pat's track record in business is exceptional, her leadership style is impeccable and her integrity is second to none. She is precisely the type of leader the Partnership needs to guide the organization in this new decade as it meets the needs of America's families. "

"Adolescent addiction is one of the most complex, yet preventable, public health challenges facing our nation today. It is a keystone issue that can devastate families, drives rising healthcare costs and educational failure, and ultimately impacts this nation's ability to compete around the world," said Russo. "I was drawn to this role because the Partnership is a non-profit organization that is thoughtfully and rigorously managed. Its national programs and deep resources on drugfree.org are grounded in scientific and consumer research, insightful communications strategies, and meticulous execution. I am excited to be joining an organization that is doing such effective, life-saving work."