Harry Johns became president and chief executive officer of the Alzheimer's Association in September 2005.
Since his arrival the Alzheimer's Association has built new momentum toward creating its Vision of a World Without Alzheimer's® through a number of innovative tactics: the first nationwide campaign to increase understanding and awareness about Alzheimer's disease; an emphasis on accelerated progress in treatment via the promotion of clinical studies; a campaign to enhance early detection; the introduction of new tools to support both individuals with the disease and their caregivers; an increased focus on public policy and advocacy; and targeted funding to advance research toward effective treatment, prevention methods and, ultimately, a cure.
Under Johns' leadership the Alzheimer's Association has seen a significant increase in media attention to the cause and to the organization. The Association's annual publication, Alzheimer's Disease Facts and Figures, has become the most cited source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer's issues. The Alzheimer's Association International ConferenceTM, the world's largest meeting on Alzheimer's research, has become an Association-led event held annually to advance science and public awareness. The Association worked to build congressional support for the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA), which mandates the development of a national strategic plan to address Alzheimer's. NAPA was passed unanimously by both houses of Congress and signed into law by president Obama in January 2011. The Nonprofit Times recognized the Alzheimer's Association as one of the "50 Best Nonprofits to Work For" for two years in a row, ranking the organization as number one among large nonprofits for 2011.
Before joining the Alzheimer's Association Johns spent more than twenty-two years with the American Cancer Society (ACS). In his final role at ACS Johns served as executive vice president for strategic initiatives. As a member of a small executive team, he was responsible for the organization's nationwide strategy.
Johns earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL, and a master's degree in business administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University in Evanston, IL.
He serves on the boards of Research!America and the National Health Council. He also serves on the HHS Advisory Council on Alzheimer's Research, Care, and Services.