For Immediate Release:
Contact: Luci de Haan, 917-655-6255,
Arthritis Foundation Selects Felice Kelem as Eastern Pennsylvania Regional Director
Philadelphia, PA–December 15, 2014 – The Arthritis Foundation announced the appointment of Felice S. Kelem as Regional Director of its Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter. She will lead the development and delivery of the organization’s fundraising initiatives, programs, advocacy and information in the Greater Philadelphia area. Kelem began her new position this month.
“We arevery excited to welcome Felice to the Arthritis Foundation,” said Ryan Becker, incoming Chair of the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter’s Board of Directors and an Associate at the law firm Fox Rothschild in Warrington, PA. “Felice has a robust background in developing successful fundraising initiatives and delivering quality, personalized programs to consumers. Her leadership skills and passion for our mission will help us chart a new course for families coping with all forms of arthritis.”
Kelem joins the Arthritis Foundation from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Delaware Valley Chapter, based in Broomall, PA, where she wasSenior Development Director. In that role, she directed all donor and corporate development,volunteer engagement, and fundraising activities including the organization’s Gala, which raised nearly $1 million in 2014.She was awarded the Foundation’s Circle of Excellence Award for three years and served on theorganization’s national task force to develop a new five-year strategic plan.
Previously, Kelem held development leadership positions at the Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Philadelphia. Kelem holds a bachelor’s degree from Temple University.
“I am thrilled to be joining the Arthritis Foundation and working with its team of talented professionals,” said Kelem. “I look forward to building the Foundation’s base of support to fund critical research, deliver life-changing information and develop innovative programs that help families access the treatment and support they need.”
Arthritis affects 50 million Americans, or roughly one in five adults of all ages. Two-thirds of people with arthritis are under the age of 65, including 300,000 children. There are more than 100 different types of arthritis that can seriously affect joints, muscles, internal organs and eyes, and cause serious pain and disability. In Pennsylvania, more than 2.7 million adults and 11,500 children are living with the disease.
The Arthritis Foundation ( is the largest and most trusted nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing the needs and challenges of people living with arthritis.The Arthritis Foundation is focused on finding a cure and championing the fight against arthritis through vital information, advocacy, scientific research and community.
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