Washington, D.C. - [August 4, 2025] — UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is pleased to announce the appointment of Erika Sward as its new Chief Advocacy Officer, a key leadership role focused on advancing national policies that promote brain health, health equity, and access to Alzheimer’s care and treatment.

In this new role, Sward will lead federal and state policy efforts, strategic advocacy campaigns, and grassroots mobilization.

Sward joins the organization with more than two decades of experience in national health advocacy, public policy strategy, and grassroots mobilization. Most recently, she served as Assistant Vice President of National Advocacy at the American Lung Association, where she directed national advocacy efforts on tobacco control, asthma, and other serious lung health issues.

“We’re excited to welcome Erika Sward to UsAgainstAlzheimer’s,” said Russ Paulsen, Chief Operating Officer of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. “Erika brings deep expertise in health advocacy and a proven ability to build coalitions and drive change in Washington. Her leadership will be extremely important as we push for continued federal action to end Alzheimer’s and make brain health a national priority.”

“It is truly and honor and privilege to join UsAgainstAlzheimer’s. Like so many families, mine has lived through a loved one being diagnosed with and ultimately lost to this terrible disease,” said Sward. “We are seeing real change in how we can detect and treat this disease, as well as reduce some of its major risk factors. I’m eager to help push for policies that protect brain health, reduce its disparities, and move us closer to a world without Alzheimer’s.”

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s has long been at the forefront of the Alzheimer’s movement, advocating for policies that center risk reduction, equity, innovation, and access. With Sward at the helm of advocacy, the organization will continue its leadership in driving policy change that reflects the urgent needs of patients, caregivers, and communities nationwide.