National Center For Missing & Exploited Children Announces New Board Chair
June 28, 2012
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® (NCMEC) is pleased to announce that
Patty Wetterling has been elected chair of its Board of Directors. Wetterling takes over for
John Ryan who has been appointed chief executive officer of NCMEC.
"It is with highest regard that I turn over the title of chair of the Board of Directors to Patty Wetterling," said CEO John Ryan.
"I know that her experience and knowledge will guide NCMEC, its board,
staff and volunteers as we continue to fight for missing and exploited
children."
Wetterling has been on NCMEC's board for 19
years and has long been an advocate for missing and exploited children.
Wetterling's own 11-year-old son Jacob was abducted 22 years ago while
biking home from a convenience store. He has never been found, and his
case remains open. Four months after Jacob's abduction, Wetterling and
her husband, Jerry, created the Wetterling Foundation, based in St. Paul, Minnesota.
The foundation has evolved into what is known today as the "Jacob
Wetterling Research Center." This foundation works to educate the public
about why child abductions occur, who is responsible for these
abductions, and how they can be stopped. Wetterling is also the
co-founder and past director of Team HOPE - a program of NCMEC which
provides support to families of missing or sexually exploited children.
"As a parent whose child is missing - and as
an advocate for prevention as well as assistance to other families who
continue their search - I'm honored to help lead NCMEC as it continues
to give hope and strength to those who need it most," said Wetterling.
In addition to her work as NCMEC board chair,
Wetterling currently works as director of sexual violence prevention
for the Minnesota Department of Health.
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