San Francisco AIDS Foundation Names Mark Cloutier as New Executive Director
The San Francisco AIDS Foundation on Monday announced that Mark Cloutier, current executive director of the "highly regarded" San Francisco-based HIV/AIDS care group Continuum, will take over as executive director of SFAF on June 1, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. Cloutier -- who also was named president of SFAF's international affiliate Pangaea Global AIDS Foundation, which focuses on treatment in developing countries -- will replace Pat Christen, who resigned in July 2004 after 15 years as executive director. SFAF Board Member Lonnie Payne, who headed the search committee, "praised" Cloutier for his "intellect, broad background and practical experience," the Chronicle reports (Russell, San Francisco Chronicle, 3/22). "After a nationwide search in which many candidates were considered, Mark Cloutier clearly emerged as the strongest leader and visionary for this unique position," SFAF Board Chair Mark McCormick said, adding, "He has a keen understanding of local, national and global HIV issues, has successfully managed an HIV nonprofit organization, and he has a fundamental understanding of our organizations' missions, which are the perfect attributes for this position" (SFAF release, 3/22). Cloutier said it is "vital" for SFAF to "gain more influence" in Washington, D.C., during an "era of decreased federal funding" for HIV/AIDS programs and services, according to the Chronicle. He added that another challenge will be "to re-energize the public about the threat HIV poses, both locally and globally" (San Francisco Chronicle, 3/22).
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