News Release

Secretary Sebelius appoints Nancy Mahon, Executive Director of MAC AIDS Fund, as Chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius today announced the appointment of Nancy Mahon as the new Chair of the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA).  Ms. Mahon, executive director of the M•A•C AIDS Fund, has many years of experience in leading large philanthropic endeavors. In her role as chair, she will maintain the continuity of PACHA-related activities and, on occasion, represent the administration at PACHA-related events.

"Nancy has built a remarkable career leading major HIV/AIDS organizations around the country.  She brings a wealth of experience managing international partnerships to eliminate HIV and AIDS as well as overseeing grassroots and on the ground support for those battling the disease," said Secretary Sebelius. "Nancy knows the power of working together to improve people's lives.  She will be an invaluable advisor and a perfect choice to lead the Council as we continue to build on President Obama's commitment to an AIDS-free generation."

“Recently, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke of the opportunity to begin creating an ‘AIDS-free generation’,” said Christopher Bates, executive director of the PACHA. “Ms. Mahon is an excellent choice to guide PACHA’s efforts in support of that goal. She has demonstrated leadership in responding to HIV/AIDS over many years and in many different capacities. She has developed public-private partnerships to provide care and support services for people living with HIV/AIDS, and she knows the power of working together to change their lives for the better. We look forward to working with her, and to strengthening PACHA’s support for the National HIV/AIDS Strategy under her leadership.”

As a senior vice president at M•A•C and executive director of the M•A•C AIDS Fund, Ms. Mahon serves as a member of the brand’s senior management team, while overseeing the strategic direction and day-to-day operation of the M•A•C AIDS Fund. Currently, the fund gives away over $18 million annually throughout the world, particularly in the 65 countries in which M•A•C has affiliates. Before joining M•A•C in June 2006, Ms. Mahon was executive director of God’s Love We Deliver (GLWD), the nation’s oldest and largest provider of life-sustaining nutritional support services for people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses. She is the author of numerous research, advocacy, and prevention articles, which have been published in a wide range of periodicals, including the American Journal of Public Health, the New York Times, and various academic journals.

PACHA was established to provide policy recommendations on the U.S. government’s response to the AIDS epidemic.  The council provides advice, information, and recommendations to the HHS Secretary on programs and policies intended to promote effective prevention of HIV disease, and to advance research on HIV disease and AIDS.  The HHS Secretary selects members and the chair for their expertise in, or knowledge of, HIV/AIDS issues. The council may have up to 25 members, including the chair. In addition, the Secretary can appoint ex officio members from relevant HHS programs.

For more information about PACHA, visit http://www.aids.gov/federal-resources/policies/pacha/.

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Last revised: December 1, 2011