Staff Reports
Jon Conley has become director of state affairs for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Florida region, according to a Friday news release.
Conley, who will lead the Association’s statewide public policy initiatives, has more than 20 years of legislative and policy experience in education, health care and public safety.
“I’ve always loved my work, but with Florida’s renewed commitment to Alzheimer’s disease and the ongoing efforts to make our state even more age-friendly, I feel I couldn’t have joined the Association at a better time,” he said in a statement.
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to work on behalf of such a great organization, as well as provide a voice for individuals and families who have been impacted by Alzheimer’s and related dementias.”
Conley spent the first half of his career in education, working with the Department of Education and serving as a policy advisor to former Gov. Jeb Bush.
After nearly a decade in government, he moved into the private sector, where he spent another 10 years representing both public and private entities as a lobbyist, as well as working as a business development and marketing consultant.
Conley then returned to government service, where he served as deputy director with the Department of Juvenile Justice, and later served as director for legislative affairs at the Department of Elder Affairs.
“It was at the Department of Elder Affairs that I found a passion for senior issues,” Conley said, “which led me from Elder Affairs to the Agency for Health Care Administration, and ultimately to the Alzheimer’s Association.”
Michelle Branham, vice president of public policy for the Alzheimer’s Association in Florida, said: “We are so pleased to welcome Jon to our team. With his extensive background and experience, he is an invaluable asset to our mission, and we’re looking forward to working with him to make Florida a more dementia-capable place to live.”
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, there are nearly 6 million Americans currently battling Alzheimer’s disease, including 560,000 Floridians. As the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s Association offers educational resources and programs for both those living with the disease and their caregivers.
The Alzheimer’s Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.
On Saturday, Nov. 12, the organization will host its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Tallahassee. The event will be held at Cascades Park, with registration beginning at 8 a.m. To join a team or learn more, visit www.alz.org/walk.
