What We Can Accomplish Together: Conquering CHD Welcomes New Executive Director
After a nationwide search, Conquering CHD has named Mark Fried as its next Executive Director. Fried, who brings 17 years of experience working for disease-related nonprofit organizations, succeeds co-founder Amy Basken.
After a nationwide search, Conquering CHD has named Mark Fried as its next Executive Director. Fried, who brings 17 years of experience working for disease-related nonprofit organizations, succeeds co-founder Amy Basken, after her departure in May of this year (Family First: Amy Basken Steps Down as Executive Director).
“To say that I am honored to be a part of Conquering CHD is a massive understatement,” Fried said. “The work we do is focused on supporting patients and families who are living with congenital heart disease. There is no cure for congenital heart disease and Conquering CHD is critically important to changing that.”
Conquering CHD was started in 2013 by parents who had children born with congenital heart disease. Through a variety of public outreach efforts, the organization offers education and support designed by individuals who have first-hand knowledge of CHD. In the process, the organization has established itself with leading cardiac physicians, surgeons, hospitals and elected officials.
“We are very proud of the work we’ve accomplished,” said David Kasnic, current Board Chair and one of the Co-Founders. “We engage with millions of people every year through our website, social media and in-person with our state chapters. But, we desperately want to reach more and are working to change the future of the disease.”
Conquering CHD is optimistic and enthusiastic about Mark’s strong sense of leadership and demonstrated dedication to nonprofit organizations. In his previous roles, including CEO for the Alzheimer’s Association Oklahoma Chapter, Mark was instrumental in fueling the mission through fundraising, advocacy, community outreach, and raising awareness.
“Mark has been at an organization that was trying to break through and he led the organization during a time when the cause advanced. He has experience in a lot of the areas that we see as opportunity. Whether it’s raising more dollars to fuel the mission or in advocating our government to make an issue a priority, he played a critical role in achieving those goals. We believe he is the right leader for Conquering CHD.”
– Conquering CHD Board Chair David Kasnic
Congratulations Mark on your new role! We are excited to embark on this new journey with you, and we know that together, we are Conquering CHD!
About Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) – CHD is the most common birth defect and a leading cause of infant death. In 2021, 40,000 babies will be born with CHD in the United States alone, joining the 1.35 million new patients born this year around the world. 1 in 100 people worldwide are diagnosed with CHD.
Thanks to advances in medical technology and surgical procedures, more adults than children are now living with congenital heart disease. CHD is a chronic, lifelong condition that presents significant challenges for the patient and their family. CHD has no cure.
About Conquering CHD – Conquering CHD exists to conquer the most common birth defect. We engage, listen, learn, and act. We create visibility and empower all impacted by congenital heart disease, accomplishing this through awareness, knowledge, community, and research. Visit our website at www.conqueringchd.org.