The AIDS Institute Names New Executive Director Michael Ruppal to Lead Organization

WASHINGTON--(Business Wire)--
The Board of Directors of The AIDS Institute is pleased to announce that Michael
Ruppal has been named executive director of the national organization effective
immediately. Ruppal brings over 25 years of business management experience
including over 13 years of non-profit management. He has been providing
executive leadership for the organization since 2002 and has been the Interim
Executive Director since the passing of Dr. Gene Copello last fall.

Through its 17 year history, The AIDS Institute (TAI) has grown to become a
national leader in shaping HIV/AIDS policy, advocacy and education in America
today. Currently the organization is providing leadership on important issues
such as health reform, Ryan White Reauthorization, HIV Testing, expansion of HIV
prevention, among other state, federal and global issues. TAI is also
recommitted to its historical roots in Florida of providing statewide HIV/AIDS
advocacy by expanding its role and facilitating a new and growing Florida
HIV/AIDS Advocacy Network as well as its education, technical assistance and
capacity building work. TAI has offices in Tampa, FL and Washington, DC.

"The AIDS Institute continues to be a respected leader through its programs,
policies and communication as well as having a broad impact. With the talented
team under Michael's leadership the board is confident that we will achieve even
more to prevent new HIV infections and improve the lives of those impacted by
HIV/AIDS," noted Board President and long time HIV Physician in Washington, DC,
Dr. Cesar Caceres.

Board Treasurer Lew Sibert commented, "I am delighted that Michael has agreed to
take this critical leadership role, both professionally and personally. Under
the most difficult of circumstances, he stepped up and has provided the
stability, stewardship and leadership that are essential for TAI`s continuing
success."

"It is a great privilege to be the 6th leader of this amazing organization since
it`s founding in the 1980`s in Sarasota, Florida. I want to thank the Board of
Directors for their leadership, dedication and their confidence in me with this
appointment," stated Michael Ruppal. "The HIV/AIDS community and all of us at
TAI still miss our friend and former leader, Dr. Gene Copello. We are committed
to moving forward in honor of his passion, vision and compassion for all people
living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS," Ruppal continued.

One of Ruppal`s first actions after the announcement was to appoint Carl Schmid
as Deputy Executive Director. Ruppal noted, "Carl has over five years with TAI
as our Director of Federal Affairs. His experience and skills are invaluable and
I look forward to working closely with him in his new role as the leader of our
policy initiatives through our Washington, DC office."

"I am honored to serve The AIDS Institute in my new role while overseeing our
Washington, DC office and its important policy work," commented Carl Schmid. "We
will continue to be a vocal advocate for access to affordable quality healthcare
and treatment for people with HIV/AIDS and for sound prevention policies and
programs, both in the United States and around the world. The challenges remain
great, but the opportunity for meaningful change will hopefully await us."

Ruppal concluded, "There can be no doubt that we, in the field of HIV/AIDS, are
at a crossroads. Funding shortfalls, inadequate access to care and treatment,
rising infection rates, an unstable economy, and battles between science and
ideology are taking a toll on efforts to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS. The AIDS
Institute has a well-established track record in public policy research,
healthcare advocacy, community education, technical assistance and coalition
building. Because of our dedicated staff, we will continue to make great strides
in completing the AIDS institutes mission to "promote action for social change
through public policy research, advocacy and education."

For more information and to become involved in AIDS advocacy work, please
contact The AIDS Institute at: (202) 835-8373, or by email at:
Info@theaidsinstitute.org or www.TheAIDSInstitute.org.

The AIDS Institute is a national nonprofit and nonpartisan agency that promotes
action for social change through public policy research, advocacy and education.

OFFICES
2001 S Street, NW, Suite 510, Washington, DC 20009- 202 835 8373 - fax 202 835
8368
17 Davis Blvd. Suite 403, Tampa, FL 33606 - 813 258 5929 - fax 813 258 5939

The AIDS Institute
Michelle Scavnicky
813-765-7917
MScavnicky@theaidsinstitute.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009