MedicAlert Foundation Appoints New CEO
Venerable non-profit taps marketing vet to drive growth.
For Release: October 26, 2020
TURLOCK, California
When you’re a nonprofit that has defined the medical ID industry for more than 64 years, where do you look for new leadership? The Board of Directors of MedicAlert Foundation undertook an exhaustive search for a new CEO to shepherd the organization through its next phase of growth and service enhancement, ultimately selecting Karen Cassel for the position.
Ms. Cassel brings to the foundation a wealth of e-commerce knowledge, and over 20 years of experience in the digital marketing industry and consumer-driven corporations. She joined MedicAlert on October 26, 2020.
“When thinking about how we can expand MedicAlert’s life-saving services to more people in need, we looked to other direct-to-consumer organizations for inspiration – which is how we met Karen,” said DeAnn Marshall, Chair of MedicAlert’s Board of Directors and President of the Children’s National Hospital Foundation. “Karen has the leadership experience, laser focus on customer needs and commitment to our mission to help chart a new future for MedicAlert Foundation and the members, families and communities we serve.”
Ms. Cassel holds an M.B.A. from Stanford University and a B.S. in Mathematics from Tufts University. In her most recent role, Karen was the CEO of Caring.com, leading the senior care referral business to #2 in the nation.
“I’m very honored to be joining an organization that has been entrusted to save and protect lives since 1956,” said Cassel. “Even in our modern tech-enabled world, MedicAlert’s simple idea of sharing vital medical information in an emergency has stood the test of time – and given the current climate, is more relevant than ever.”
MedicAlert Foundation serves people with chronic medical conditions, providing peace of mind that in an emergency, MedicAlert will be their voice. Members wear a MedicAlert ID customized with their unique medical information, and maintain a secure online health record through MedicAlert. In an emergency, MedicAlert’s emergency response team shares their member’s critical health information with first responders, enabling emergency personnel to provide the patient with fast and accurate care.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has made everyone realize how important it is to be able to quickly communicate their medical needs, and empower first responders to provide treatment as fast and effectively as possible,” said Cassel. “MedicAlert Foundation plays an invaluable role in these times. I’m excited to work with MedicAlert’s leadership team to capture the next wave of growth for the foundation, and expand the value we deliver for all the communities we serve.”
Ms. Cassel is taking over from Bob Pearson, who served as MedicAlert Foundation’s CEO since February 2017. Pearson will continue to serve the foundation as a board member. “The Board of Directors would like to thank Bob for his stellar leadership, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors,” says Marshall.
About MedicAlert Foundation
MedicAlert Foundation is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) membership organization, and the creator of the original medical ID. MedicAlert’s mission is to save and protect lives by sharing information in their members’ moments of need. The MedicAlert emblem is globally recognized by first responders and emergency personnel, who connect with MedicAlert’s 24/7 Emergency Response Team for a member’s health record. MedicAlert serves millions of members in the U.S. and through 10 global affiliates. Four million lives saved, and counting. For more information, visit www.medicalert.org.