March of Dimes is pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin McDowell, Executive Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer at AEG – one of the world’s leading sports and entertainment presenters – to March of Dimes Greater Los Angeles Market Board Chair. McDowell is unwavering in his commitment to serving his community, and will play a vital role in fighting for our most vulnerable– babies. March of Dimes board members, who serve as volunteers, represent the public in governing the organization and advancing its mission for mom and baby health. The board chair serves a 3-year term.
McDowell has supported the March of Dimes mission to give every baby a fighting chance since 2012, when he was honored at the organization’s Healthy Babies, Healthy Futures event, which recognized prominent individuals who have significantly impacted the African-American community. Learning about the racial disparities in preterm birth rates peaked his interest in the work of March of Dimes.
The March of Dimes board and their efforts are more important now than ever, as the rate of preterm birth in the U.S. has increased for the first time in eight years – driven by worsening rates among specific racial and ethnic groups, as well as geographic areas, across the country. The preterm birth rate among black women is 48% higher than all other women. In addition to the unfair toll on mothers and babies, preterm birth accounts for more than $26 billion annually in avoidable medical and societal costs in the United States.
As a member of AEG’s Corporate Management Committee, McDowell manages the development and implementation of AEG’s internal support systems such as IT Digital Services, Human Resources, Procurement & Strategic Sourcing, Risk Management, Sustainability and other disciplines. He oversees these strategic initiatives for all of AEG’s enterprises worldwide. McDowell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Cincinnati. He resides in Chino, CA.
McDowell is ready to assume his role as board chair, saying, “I am thrilled to serve as board chair for March of Dimes, LA Market. I’m also excited about the recent strengthening of our LA Market Board which now includes Orange County and Inland Empire. Mindful of our fundraising responsibilities, we will look for innovative ways to increase support for the mission to improve the health of babies and mothers and prevent birth defects, preterm birth and infant mortality.”
“We’re honored to have Kevin McDowell as our board chair,” added Stacey D. Stewart, President of the March of Dimes. “Kevin’s passion for the cause, coupled with his business and management acumen, will strengthen March of Dimes work to give every baby a healthy start to life and address the rate of preterm birth, the leading cause of baby death in the United States.”
Prematurity affects 15,000,000 babies each year globally and nearly one million of them die before their first birthday. March of Dimes strives for a world where every baby has a fair chance, with a mission to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. From its successful war against polio to today’s efforts to prevent prematurity, the March of Dimes has educated millions about prenatal care and funded research that has saved and improved innumerable lives.
