Fred Fisher is the President Emeritus of the ALS Network (formerly ALS Golden West), an organization focused on finding an effective treatment and cure for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease). ALS Network provides services, develops and funds ALS research programs, and advances state and federal public policy initiatives for the benefit of those living with ALS. The organization’s geographic scope reaches throughout most of California and Hawaii and is funded largely through philanthropic efforts.
Fred was the President and CEO for over 20 years, placing him among the longest-tenured and most productive ALS executives in the United States. He has more than 35 years of experience leading non-profit social service and health organizations, including those serving children, families, the frail elderly, high-risk youth, and the mentally ill. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, he has the experience, commitment, and vision to execute creative and innovative programs that have an important and meaningful impact. His commitment to evidence-based initiatives and outcomes-based service delivery results in the identification and integration of best practices which result in higher quality and greater impact.
Some of his key accomplishments with ALS Network (formerly ALS Golden West) are as follows:
- Continued growth in leadership, programs, and fund development within the organization.
- Served as an active member of the National ALS Association’s Research Committee.
- Established the California ALS Research Network and annual CA ALS Research Summit in 2008.
- Coauthored a scientific article (pub. 9 Aug 2011*) and a white paper on the state of ALS research in California.
- Passage of state legislation establishing a Standard of Care for ALS in the California Health Code.
- Passage of state legislation for personal income tax check-off establishing the ALS Research Fund.
- Passage of state budget item to fund Chapter and Certified Treatment Centers of Excellence throughout CA.
- Development of the Neuro Collaborative, a multi-site research initiative designed to accelerate the search for an effective treatment and cure for ALS.
- Serves on the Board of California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) as the Patient Advocate for ALS and MS.
- Leading initiatives focused on Caregiver support and improving access to home health and DME.
- Launched the ALS Network’s Scientific Advisory Committee for research and funding.
*Future Medicine: Conference Scene: ALS in California: a report from the First Annual California ALS Research Summit