The Department of Kinesiology and Community Health
College of Applied Health Sciences
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Harold Wimmer, BS '77, MS '78
President and CEO
American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest
Described by chicagononprofit.org as one of Chicago’s leading philanthropists, Harold Wimmer has worked with the American Lung Association for 30 years. He began his association with the American Lung Association’s Illinois chapter in Chicago. When the Illinois and Iowa chapters merged, Harold served as the CEO of the Illinois-Iowa Association for 15 years, leading its growth into a $9 million non-profit organization.
In 2005 the American Lung Association began a process of merging individual state associations into regional organizations. Harold played a key role in the process of merging seven states into what is now called the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest. The organization serves Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. It is the largest regional group, operating with a nearly $22 million budget.
As President and CEO of the regional organization, Harold carries out the strategic plans and policies established by the Board of Directors. He is responsible for organizational growth and development, fiscal management, marketing, fund raising, public policy, program services, and board development.
Harold has been an active member of the Congress of Lung Association Staff since 1979. He also served as a member of the National American Lung Association’s Revenue Generation Committee. He was the mastermind behind the national American Lung Association Helpline, which is housed at the office of the American Lung Association of the Upper Midwest in Springfield, Illinois. The helpline is staffed by registered nurses, registered respiratory therapists, and tobacco cessation specialists who assist callers from all over the nation with lung health issues.
Harold completed his bachelor’s degree in Community Health Education in 1977 and his master’s degree in Public Health Administration in 1978. He served on the College of Applied Health Sciences Alumni Board from 2002 to 2008.