National Down Syndrome Society Announces New Board of Directors Leadership

New York, NY (May 6, 2014). Today, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) announced its new board of directors' leadership positions and named Captain Robert P. Taishoff JAGC, USN (ret) as its new Chairman of the Board. In his vision statement, Taishoff issued the following statement for the future of NDSS.
“I am honored to have been selected to serve as the new Chairman of the Board for NDSS.  Ever since joining the Board in 2007, I have been inspired and in awe of the amazing work the staff and advocates have done in support of our nearly 400,000 constituents and their families.  The work of the NDSS has quite simply helped transform society for individuals with Down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities,” said NDSS Board Chairman Rob Taishoff.
Taishoff has established a number of philanthropic programs through his family foundation, for which he is Chairman and Director. Captain Taishoff established the Taishoff Center for Inclusive Higher Education at the Syracuse University School of Education. Taishoff also serves on the Syracuse University Board of Trustees.  He and his wife, Laurie, have three children including their daughter, Jackie, 12, who has Down syndrome.
“I have been honored to serve as the NDSS Board Chairman for the last three years.  NDSS remains the largest nonprofit dedicated to advocating for all people with Down syndrome in the country. I am pleased to turn over the reins to Rob Taishoff, and confident the organization will continue to thrive under his leadership,” said Former NDSS Board Chairman and Board Member Chip Gerhardt.“The Taishoff family has a long history for fighting for inclusion for people with Down syndrome and disabilities through all walks of life. The entire NDSS team is thrilled to have Rob Taishoff serve as the new NDSS Chairman,” said NDSS President Jon Colman.
NDSS leads a cutting-edge advocacy and policy operation in Washington, D.C., a world-class public relations program, the National Buddy Walk® program, and provides community relations and support to over 400,000 individuals and their families in the country. NDSS was recently named 2014 Brand of the Year by Harris Poll EquiTrend in the Disability nonprofit category. 
Steve Beck was selected at the NDSS Vice Chairman and Gordon Spoor as Treasurer. Tiffany Barfield will continue to serve as Secretary. NDSS also added five new board members: Paul Brunswick, Julie Cevallos, Rick Kosmalski, Dr. Roger Reeves, and Kimberly Templeton.
About NDSS
The National Down Syndrome Society is a nonprofit organization representing the more than 400,000 Americans with Down syndrome. The mission of NDSS is to be the national advocate for the value, acceptance and inclusion of people with Down syndrome. NDSS envisions a world in which all people with Down syndrome have the opportunity enhance their quality of life, realize their life aspirations, and become valued members of welcoming community. NDSS has over 375 affiliates worldwide.