The American Lung Association in Arizona has added several new prominent local professionals to its leadership board, the organization announced. 

The organization looks to expand awareness and services throughout the state.

Peter Nez, a notable public health consultant, Meenal B. Patwardhan, a prominent medical safety executive — have both joined the leadership team.

“We are thrilled to welcome Peter, Dr. Patwardhan, and other new leadership board members to the organization to expand the reach of the American Lung Association in Arizona’s lifesaving awareness, services, fundraising and advocacy efforts,” said Elizabeth Walton, executive director of the American Lung Association in Arizona. “More than ever, Arizona needs strong public health leadership to address continued threats to Arizonan’s lung health, including climate change, growing lung cancer threats to non-smokers, loss of Medicare benefits (and) childhood asthma."