The Board of Directors of The AIDS Institute is pleased to announce that Michael Ruppal has been named executive director of the national organization effective immediately. Ruppal brings over 25 years of business management experience including over 13 years of non-profit management. He has been providing executive leadership for the organization since 2002 and has been the Interim Executive Director since the passing of Dr. Gene Copello last fall.
Through its 17 year history, The AIDS Institute (TAI) has grown to become a national leader in shaping HIV/AIDS policy, advocacy and education in America today. Currently the organization is providing leadership on important issues such as health reform, Ryan White Reauthorization, HIV Testing, expansion of HIV prevention, among other state, federal and global issues. TAI is also recommitted to its historical roots in Florida of providing statewide HIV/AIDS advocacy by expanding its role and facilitating a new and growing Florida HIV/AIDS Advocacy Network as well as its education, technical assistance and capacity building work. TAI has offices in Tampa, FL and Washington, DC.
“The AIDS Institute continues to be a respected leader through its programs, policies and communication as well as having a broad impact. With the talented team under Michael's leadership the board is confident that we will achieve even more to prevent new HIV infections and improve the lives of those impacted by HIV/AIDS,” noted Board President and long time HIV Physician in Washington, DC, Dr. Cesar Caceres.
Board Treasurer Lew Sibert commented, “I am delighted that Michael has agreed to take this critical leadership role, both professionally and personally. Under the most difficult of circumstances, he stepped up and has provided the stability, stewardship and leadership that are essential for TAI’s continuing success.”
“It is a great privilege to be the 6th leader of this amazing organization since it’s founding in the 1980’s in Sarasota, Florida. I want to thank the Board of Directors for their leadership, dedication and their confidence in me with this appointment,” stated Michael Ruppal. “The HIV/AIDS community and all of us at TAI still miss our friend and former leader, Dr. Gene Copello. We are committed to moving forward in honor of his passion, vision and compassion for all people living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS,” Ruppal continued.
One of Ruppal’s first actions after the announcement was to appoint Carl Schmid as Deputy Executive Director. Ruppal noted, “Carl has over five years with TAI as our Director of Federal Affairs. His experience and skills are invaluable and I look forward to working closely with him in his new role as the leader of our policy initiatives through our Washington, DC office.”
“I am honored to serve The AIDS Institute in my new role while overseeing our Washington, DC office and its important policy work,” commented Carl Schmid. “We will continue to be a vocal advocate for access to affordable quality healthcare and treatment for people with HIV/AIDS and for sound prevention policies and programs, both in the United States and around the world. The challenges remain great, but the opportunity for meaningful change will hopefully await us.”
Ruppal concluded, “There can be no doubt that we, in the field of HIV/AIDS, are at a crossroads. Funding shortfalls, inadequate access to care and treatment, rising infection rates, an unstable economy, and battles between science and ideology are taking a toll on efforts to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS. The AIDS Institute has a well-established track record in public policy research, healthcare advocacy, community education, technical assistance and coalition building. Because of our dedicated staff, we will continue to make great strides in completing the AIDS institutes mission to “promote action for social change through public policy research, advocacy and education.”
For more information and to become involved in AIDS advocacy work, please contact The AIDS Institute at: (202) 835-8373, or by email at: Info@theaidsinstitute.org or www.TheAIDSInstitute.org.
The AIDS Institute is a national nonprofit and nonpartisan agency that promotes action for social change through public policy research, advocacy and education.
OFFICES
2001 S Street, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC
20009- 202 835 8373 - fax 202 835 8368
17 Davis Blvd. Suite
403, Tampa, FL 33606 - 813 258 5929 - fax 813 258 5939
Contacts:
The AIDS Institute
Michelle Scavnicky
813-765-7917
MScavnicky@theaidsinstitute.org