Visionary leaders Jerome H. Stone and Harry Johns admirably served the Alzheimer's Association mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Joanne Pike, DrPH, became president and CEO of the Association in January 2023.

Our founder: Jerome H. Stone

Jerome H. Stone was the founding president (1980-1988) and honorary chair of the Alzheimer's Association (1988-2015).
 
In 1980, Mr. Stone and a group of family caregivers and individuals who recognized the need for an organization that would unite caregivers, provide support to those facing Alzheimer’s and advance research into the disease established the Alzheimer's Association.
 Jerome H. Stone
When Mr. Stone's wife, Evelyn, was diagnosed with the disease in 1970, information about Alzheimer’s — even among the medical community — was limited. With drive and determination, Mr. Stone took a disease that was cloaked in silence and helped to create a global conversation.

Today, the Association reaches millions of people affected by Alzheimer's and all other dementia. We are the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research.
 
In 1988, Mr. Stone stepped down as president and was honorary chair of the national board until his death on Jan. 1, 2015, at age 101.

Harry Johns

Harry Johns served as Alzheimer's Association president and CEO from Sept. 5, 2005, through Dec. 31, 2022.
 
Under Johns' leadership, the Association created and drove the public discussion about Alzheimer's in America, raising the cause to unprecedented levels of recognition and support and transforming the disease into a movement. Johns' tenure saw the Association accomplish a number of milestones.Jerome H. Stone
 
The Association's global leadership in dementia research reached new highs, with investments of more than $310 million in over 950 projects at the end of his tenure; when Johns took over as president and CEO, those numbers stood at $63 million and 301, respectively. We now have the first FDA-approved treatment for the underlying biology of Alzheimer’s, with new treatments in the pipeline.
 
In tandem with the Alzheimer's Impact Movement (AIM), a separately incorporated advocacy affiliate established with Johns' leadership, Association advocacy achieved significant public policy gains, including increases in federal research funding to more than $3.5 billion annually — a seven-fold increase since the National Alzheimer's Project Act was signed into law in 2011.
 
The Association emphasized fighting stigma about the disease by raising awareness; expanded its reach to provide care and support more than 7 million times annually; and established diversity, equity and inclusion as a mission pillar.
 
Due in large part to Johns' leadership, the Association is better positioned than ever to achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.

Leadership from 1988 to 2005

The following leaders also contributed to Alzheimer's Association achievements and milestones as president and CEO:

  • Sheldon Goldberg (2002-2005)
  • Alan Stone (2001-2002)
  • Edward Truschke (1988-2001)