NAAF Community, Since January 2022, I have had the honor of serving as NAAF’s President & CEO. From the very beginning, I was moved by the kindness of this community and the profound, often overlooked challenges of living with alopecia areata – both for those experiencing uncontrollable hair loss and for the loved ones who support them. What I found in this community was resilience and compassion. Alopecia areata affects people in many ways – from those who struggle deeply to those who embrace hair loss as part of their identity. Each one of you has inspired me to do my very best as NAAF’s leader, working to improve lives through our mission. Together, we’ve built on NAAF’s 45-year legacy: funding research, providing support, and amplifying patient voices. We emerged from the pandemic stronger, revitalizing a vibrant community with improved tools and resources. Whether it be at in-person events like the NAAF Conference and Walk For Alopecia, or at virtual programs such as our webinars and support groups, we have come together to learn, share, and grow. And we’ve celebrated together the first three FDA-approved treatments for alopecia areata. While this progress is remarkable, work remains to achieve approved treatments for children under 12 and those with mild and moderate disease. As I prepare for retirement, it has been a joy to close my career with NAAF – helping to build a brighter future for a truly deserving community. I am deeply grateful to our dedicated staff, compassionate volunteers, generous donors, and tireless fundraisers who make this work possible. I will always be cheering you on. Onward, Nicole Read Nicole’s retirement announcement here.
