ADAO 20th Anniversary — Join Us in Our Year-Round Monthly Journeys of Asbestos Awareness, Advocacy, and Action

Posted on May 30, 2024

This June, we celebrate the exceptional leadership of the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). As the largest independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating asbestos-related diseases, ADAO has achieved significant milestones in education, advocacy, and community initiatives, and we could not have done it without the guidance, support, and devotion of our leadership teams. Join us in applauding ADAO’s Leadership Committees for their critical contributions to our efforts. Discover how these initiatives are making a difference, and learn how you can get involved.

At the helm of ADAO’s educational work is Linda Reinstein, President/CEO & Co-Founder, who works nationally and internationally on prevention and policy efforts and spearheads ADAO’s dual-track strategy focused on both legislative and legal change. Joining her is Jordan Zevon, ADAO’s National Spokesperson, who tirelessly advocates for asbestos victims. The ADAO Honorary Celebrity Board, co-chaired by Barbara McQueen and Jordan Zevon, amplifies the organization’s message through its public platforms. The ADAO Board of Directors is composed of dedicated individuals who guide the organization’s strategic direction, including Kimberly Cecchini, Ellen Costa, Linda Reeves, and Linda Reinstein.

ADAO Science and Prevention Advisory Boards

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, it’s important to highlight the relentless work of the ADAO’s Science and Prevention Advisory Boards. These boards play a crucial role in ensuring the scientific and medical accuracy of the organization’s educational materials, as well as the effectiveness of its prevention initiatives. Their expertise is invaluable in our congressional staff briefings and EPA dialogues, bringing the latest information to demonstrate the public health risks posed by asbestos.

Each year, thanks to these essential team players, ADAO hosts an annual awareness and prevention conference offering the latest insights on prevention strategies and policy developments. This is possible because of the hard work and dedication of ADAO’s leadership committees, who share their passion, stories, and deep medical knowledge.

Science Advisory Board

Celeste Monforton, DrPH, MPH, serves as the Science and Prevention Advisory Board Liaison, bridging the gap between scientific research and public policy. The Science Advisory Board, co-chaired by Arthur L. Frank, MD, PhD, and Richard Lemen, PhD, MSPH, includes members Brad Black, MD; Barry Castleman, ScD; Raja Flores, MD; Michael Harbut, MD, MPH, FCCP; Steven Markowitz, MD, DrPH; Jacqueline M. Moline, MD, M.Sc.; Christine Oliver, MD, MPH, MS; and Andrea Wolf, MD, MPH. 

Reflecting on his long-term involvement, Dr. Frank states, “As part of the ADAO family since 2004, I consider it a privilege to serve and to work with the whole team, led by Linda Reinstein, in educating others about the hazards of asbestos and to work at ending future exposures so that in the future we can be rid of the scourge of unnecessary asbestos-related diseases.”

Prevention Advisory Board

The Prevention Advisory Board is chaired by Brent Kynoch, and includes members Mark Catlin, Claire Deacon, Tom Laubenthal, John Newquist, Tony Rich, and Mark Winter. These dedicated professionals work tirelessly on preventing exposure to eliminate all asbestos-caused diseases, embodying the mission and vision of ADAO.

Key Initiatives

Conference

ADAO’s annual awareness and prevention conference is a cornerstone event that offers the latest insights on prevention strategies, policy developments, and personal stories. This event brings together experts, survivors, and advocates to foster a community dedicated to ending asbestos-related diseases.

Congressional Staff Briefing

The expertise of ADAO’s advisory boards is crucial in our congressional staff briefings, where we present the latest scientific data and public health information to inform and influence policy development. These briefings are essential for demonstrating the urgent need for asbestos regulation and protection measures.

Prevention & Policy Materials and Webinars

ADAO provides a wealth of prevention and policy materials, along with webinars, to educate the public and policymakers about the dangers of asbestos and effective prevention strategies. Our advisory boards meticulously review these resources for accuracy and effectiveness.

Resource for the Media

ADAO serves as a vital resource for the media, providing accurate and timely information about asbestos-related issues. Our leadership and advisory boards ensure that journalists have access to credible sources and data, helping to raise public awareness and drive policy change.

This month and all year long, we honor the incredible dedication and hard work of ADAO’s leadership and advisory boards. Their unwavering commitment to preventing asbestos exposure and eliminating asbestos-related diseases is the foundation of our organization’s success. Together, we can continue to make a difference and move closer to a future free from asbestos-related harm.