Fall 2002 Issue
A Lasting Commitment
When Pat McConnon was asked to consult on the formation of a new organization designed to help CDC build partnerships with the private
sector, he immediately recognized the value of what such a group could do for CDC.
“Because CDC representatives had a voice in how the Foundation was set up and would operate, I felt confident it would be more than just a pass through for CDC,” said McConnon who is a former CDC manager.
Ever since the CDC Foundation began, McConnon has been a regular supporter, both as a member of the Foundation’s liaison committee to CDC and a contributor through the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) – the federal government’s equivalent of the United Way.
This year, McConnon retired from CDC. But the relationships he formed with the Foundation are lasting. “The CDC Foundation is an extension of a place where I have spent my entire career and I will continue to support it as long as I am able,” McConnon said.
During his 35-year career with CDC, McConnon accepted 12 different assignments, including in Bangladesh and Somalia, where he worked on the eradication of smallpox, and in Nigeria, where he played an important role in the eradication of Guinea worm. In 1994, he became assistant director for program development in the National Center for Infectious Diseases (NCID), focusing on a national strategy for emerging diseases. During his tenure, congressional appropriations increased from $1 million to $164 million for emerging infectious diseases. With these increases McConnon was responsible for revitalizing many of NCID’s programs that deteriorated from lack of funding.
Not content to truly “retire,” McConnon joined the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) as its executive director on August 1, 2002, the day after leaving CDC.
Pat McConnon: Why I Give Back
Q: What do you see as the CDC Foundation’s greatest value?
I first became involved with the Foundation because I really liked the idea of the Foundation filling a role that I knew was unreasonable to ever expect of CDC. They bring fundraising and partnership brokering expertise to the table, enabling the scientists to concentrate on what they do best. Also, because it is an independent, non-profit, the Foundation can undertake projects that CDC could never get appropriations for but are still important to its mission - overseas work and training programs are just two examples that come to mind.
Q: Why do you support the CDC Foundation?
I like the Foundation’s mission. I also like that my money has impact and is used wisely - the staff really strives to keep administration costs to a minimum so that maximum dollars can go to CDC and its programs. Some might argue that CDC is already supported by federal tax dollars, but as a former employee I know there are still important gaps in funding.
Q: Why have you given through the Combined Federal Campaign?
It makes giving easy. Because I could have my contribution deducted in monthly installments from my paycheck, I was able to make a more substantial contribution than if I had to make it all at once. I also liked the fact that I was reminded once a year. The Combined Federal Campaign allowed me to do more for CDC and the CDC Foundation.