Local Attorneys Named Co-Chairs of Lung Association's Rochester Leadership Council

ROCHESTER, NY (11/17/2010)(readMedia)-- The American Lung Association in New York announced that two prominent attorneys have been named Co-Chairs of the Lung Association's newly formed Rochester Leadership Council. Will Hoy, a partner at Harter Secrest & Emery, LLP, and Ali Hoy, counsel at the firm, will head the Lung Association's volunteer efforts in Rochester to promote greater community involvement in the organization's mission to save lives by preventing lung disease and promoting lung health.

As Co-Chairs of the Leadership Council, Will and Ali will help to recruit volunteer leaders in the greater Rochester area to support the Lung Association's mission. The Leadership Council will focus on promoting local events, including the annual Fight For Air Walk, and raising much-needed funds to support increased local programming.

"We have been involved with the Lung Association for a number of years and have personally witnessed and benefited from the important work that the Lung Association does. We have three young children, one of whom suffers from asthma. It is our personal mission to fight for healthy air so everyone can breathe easier - those with lung disease and those who worry about them," said Ali. Will added, "We are honored to chair the Lung Association's Rochester Leadership Council and are eager to create and work with the Council in the Rochester community which we know to be dedicated and generous."

Will is head of Harter Secrest's Private Equity and Venture Capital practice group and focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, venture capital and general corporate matters. This year, he was selected a recipient of the Rochester Business Journal's prestigious Forty Under 40 award. The annual award recognizes 40 men and women under the age of 40 who have achieved professional success and made significant contributions to their communities. Will holds a BA from Vanderbilt University and a JD from Cornell Law School.

Ali is counsel at Harter Secrest and concentrates her practice in the area of business and corporate law with a focus on mergers and acquisitions. Ali has volunteered with the Lung Association throughout the years by organizing, participating in and assisting with various fundraising events. She holds a BA from the University of Notre Dame, an MBA from Johnson School of Management at Cornell University, and a JD from Cornell Law School.

The American Lung Association in New York fights for air through research, education and advocacy. The Association operates several successful programs in the Greater Rochester area including Breathe Well, Live Well® which serves adult asthma patients; Freedom From Smoking®, a well-regarded smoking cessation program; Better Breathers Clubs which serve COPD patients; and Open Airways for Schools®, an asthma management program for children operated in the school setting. Last year, the Association's asthma management program received recognition when the Rush-Henrietta School District received the prestigious Asthma-Friendly Schools Initiative Excellence Award from the National American Lung Association.

"We've received tremendous positive feedback on the programs we've delivered to improve lung health in the greater Rochester area," said Scott T. Santarella, President and CEO of the American Lung Association in New York. "But there are still many people suffering from lung disease who need our help.We're intent on redoubling our efforts in the community so we can reach them. I am confident that Will and Ali can help us further our cause. I'm so pleased and grateful that they've agreed to serve as Co-Chairs of our Leadership Council."

In Monroe County alone, there are more than 15,000 kids living with pediatric asthma and nearly 50,000 adults who suffer from adult asthma. Another 25,000 people suffer from chronic bronchitis and more than 9,000 people are living with emphysema. All of these groups are at greater risk of adverse effects from air pollution. Those with lung disease not only rely on the Lung Association's continued lung health and smoking cessation programs, but depend on the association to advocate for laws and policies that promote cleaner air that can positively impact their breathing.

###

Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in New York is the leading statewide organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is "Fighting for Air" through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association, or to support our work, call 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.alany.org.