Summary: Wake Up Narcolepsy has appointed Tammy Anderson to succeed founder Monica Gow, who led the organization for 16 years, as executive director. Gow will transition into a supporting role as founder emeritus after helping with a smooth leadership handover. Anderson aims to build on the nonprofit’s mission of raising awareness, expanding resources, and supporting research for narcolepsy, while continuing to strengthen community engagement.
Key Takeaways:
- Leadership Transition: After leading Wake Up Narcolepsy for 16 years, founder Monica Gow is stepping down as executive director but will remain involved as founder emeritus to support the organization.
- Focus on Growth and Community: The new executive director, Tammy Anderson, will prioritize expanding outreach, enhancing resources for families, and furthering research initiatives to continue raising awareness about narcolepsy.
- Legacy of Impact: Under Gow’s leadership, the nonprofit has grown significantly, establishing key partnerships and generating nearly $6.5 million in revenue to advance support for the narcolepsy community, according to the nonprofit.
Wake Up Narcolepsy, a nonprofit dedicated to driving narcolepsy awareness, education, and research, announced that Tammy Anderson, previously assistant director, has been named executive director.
In her new role, Anderson will drive Wake Up Narcolepsy’s mission through enhanced community engagement, expanded resources for families, and continued support for research. She will also lead Wake Up Narcolepsy as works to educate the public, medical community, and policymakers on the needs of the narcolepsy community.
“I am deeply passionate about serving the community and welcome everyone to find their place at Wake Up Narcolepsy,” says Anderson in a release. “As executive director, I am committed to honoring the tradition of greatness that has defined this organization since the beginning, and I look forward to working together to create a brighter future for all.”
Founder Monica Gow Announces Retirement
After nearly 16 years of service, former executive director Monica Gow has announced her retirement. She will remain involved with Wake Up Narcolepsy. To ensure a smooth transition, she will support the team as executive consultant over the next few months and then transition to founder emeritus, according to a release from the nonprofit.
“I am filled with hope and gratitude as I transition to this new chapter. Tammy has proven herself as a dedicated and visionary leader, and I have every confidence that under her guidance, [Wake Up Narcolepsy] will continue to flourish,” says Gow in a release. “I am thrilled to witness the new milestones that we will achieve together.”
Since founding Wake Up Narcolepsy alongside her husband David in 2008, Gow has been an advocate for improving the lives of people with Narcolepsy through education, awareness, and research.
“Under her leadership, Wake Up Narcolepsy has grown to be a trusted voice in the community and has forged essential partnerships to advance understanding and support for the often misunderstood condition,” reads a release from Wake Up Narcolepsy. “The organization has flourished under her direction, growing from its grassroots beginnings to generating nearly $6.5 million in revenue since its inception, a testament to her unwavering dedication and impact.”
A New Chapter in Leadership
Anderson first joined Wake Up Narcolepsy as a patient advocate and program manager in January 2022. As assistant director, Anderson has already made an impact on Wake Up Narcolepsy’s initiatives, according to a release from the nonprofit, including growing the organization’s outreach, partnerships, and support offerings. She also has a personal commitment to the cause as a parent of a child with narcolepsy.
“It is an honor to carry forward Monica’s vision and passion. Her dedication has shaped Wake Up Narcolepsy’s mission, and I am committed to building upon her legacy to create a world that understands and supports those impacted by Narcolepsy,” says Anderson in a release.
Mary Beth Guckian, chair of Wake Up Narcolepsy’s board of directors, adds in a release, “Monica’s commitment to [Wake Up Narcolepsy] has been nothing short of inspiring. Her impact on this community will be felt for generations, and we are grateful that she will continue to play a role in our organization. We’re equally thrilled to welcome Tammy to her new role, where her empathy, experience and dedication will lead [Wake Up Narcolepsy] into an exciting future.”
Prior to joining Wake Up Narcolepsy, Anderson worked as a development director at a nonprofit and as a student advocate in public, private, and home education settings. Anderson is a graduate of Brigham Young University and currently resides in the foothills of Northern Utah with her family.
Photo caption: Tammy Anderson
Photo credit: Wake Up Narcolepsy
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