Bayport Resident Named Allied Foundation Executive Director

Bayport, NY/Melville, NY; March 4, 2019 – Heather Edwards of Bayport, NY is the new Executive Director of the Allied Foundation, Inc., a not-for-profit organization founded by Melville-headquartered Allied Physicians Group, one of the largest physician partnerships in New York State with over 150 doctors working out of over 30 locations.

In her position as Executive Director, Ms. Edwards works collaboratively with the Allied Foundation Board of Directors to generate philanthropic support along with initiating programs and services to fulfill the Allied Foundation’s mission and those in the community it serves. Among services Allied Foundation provides is newborn support for mom and baby, where Allied Board-Certified Lactation Consultants are available to guide and assist mothers with any breastfeeding concerns and foster the donation of excess breast milk to save the lives of premature babies at its Allied designated Milk Depots, part of the New York Milk Bank. A proud member of the National Diaper Bank Network and Long Island’s only diaper bank, the Allied Foundation addresses the dire diaper need in New York State with a goal of meeting the basic needs of clean, dry and healthy children by collecting and distributing diapers with its partner agencies, including The Interfaith Nutrition Network and the Gerald Ryan Outreach Center.

The Foundation is also dedicated to developing critical early reading skills in children and incorporating books into pediatric care. It collaborates with partners that include the Book Fairies as well as Reach Out and Read to address this need. Through the Andrew Fierstein Memorial Award, the Allied Foundation fosters education and professional growth for the next generation of leaders and physicians through its partnership with the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell.

“There are so many ways that the Allied Foundation actively makes a difference in the many communities that Allied Physicians Group and its doctors have presence in,” says Ms. Edwards. “The Foundation provides direct support for moms, babies and their families. I look forward to advancing the mission of the Allied Foundation and making a difference in the community through its philanthropy.”

“Ms. Edwards has strong marketing and fundraising experience, which she will leverage for the Allied Foundation,” said Jennifer Shaer, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Allied Physicians Group and Board Chair for the Allied Foundation. “She will strengthen and expand the organization, maximizing its potential.”

Ms. Edwards is a graduate of the State University of New York College at Oswego with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. Her professional fundraising development background of nearly 15 years includes working at St. John’s University School of Law, Suffolk Community College Foundation, Stony Brook Medicine, Family Service League, and at NYU Winthrop Hospital. She also has marketing experience building brands at Lorraine Gregory Communications in Edgewood, NY as well as at Ogilvy, N.W. Ayer and Partners, and Biederman Kelly and Shaffer Inc., all based in Manhattan, NY.

The Allied Foundation, founded in 2015 by the Allied Physicians Group is committed to improve the health and well-being of residents across Long Island, Brooklyn, Queens, Richmond, Westchester, Rockland and Orange Counties and contiguous communities. As a nonprofit, designated 501(c)3 organization, the Allied Foundation fulfills their mission by providing newborn support for mom and baby, engaging in community education programs and service initiatives, and through the promotion of early childhood literacy.

Headquartered in Melville, NY, on Long Island, Allied Physicians Group is a partnership of more than 150 dedicated, caring physicians and 650 highly trained support staff serving over 180,000 patients with offices throughout Greater New York City, Long Island, the Hudson Valley and beyond. Founded in 2006, Allied Physicians Group is a recognized leader in increasing healthcare efficiencies and patient satisfaction, with a special emphasis on support, innovation and collaboration. For more information please visit: https://alliedphysiciansgroup.com/.

# # #