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NEW YORK, March 6, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Board of Directors of the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, a national nonprofit dedicated to reducing substance abuse among adolescents by supporting families and engaging with teens, today announced that President & CEO, Steve Pasierb, M.Ed., will be leaving the organization after nearly fourteen years in the role. The Board has named Marcia Lee Taylor, previously the Partnership's Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, as the organization's interim President & CEO.

"Steve has made countless major contributions to the health and mission progress of the organization since joining the team in 1993," said Partnership Chairman, Patricia Russo. "With Steve's appointment as President in 2001, the organization rapidly responded to the changing nature of substance use and addiction in America, as well as the growing needs of kids in families with a host of expanded products and services. Steve and the team transformed our business model more than once to make certain the Partnership's life changing and life-saving work could not only be sustained, but reach more individuals each year. The Board recently approved the strategic direction through 2017, so Steve departs at a time when staff is aligned and the path forward is strong."

"I'm extremely proud of the accomplishments of our staff, volunteers and partners," said Pasierb. "Together, we've turned back national trends, launched ground-breaking innovations and every year touched the lives of tens of millions of people and families. We've managed through tremendous shifts in our funding sources, tackled new drug threats, and continually evolved to meet the needs of each new generation of parents and kids. The Partnership has been an incredibly significant part of my adult life – first as a volunteer, then in various staff positions, and finally as CEO – and will always be a part of who I am."

Russo announced that effective April 1, 2015, Marcia Lee Taylor will serve as the Partnership's interim CEO as the Board of Directors undertakes a search to identify a permanent successor. Taylor has been with the Partnership since 2006, serving in the position of SVP, Government Affairs. Taylor, Pasierb and the executive team are already at work on transition details.

In addition to leading the Partnership's groundbreaking Medicine Abuse Project, a nationwide communications and education campaign aimed at reducing teen prescription drug and over-the-counter cough medicine abuse, Taylor has been the Partnership's lead representative in Washington, D.C.

Previously, she served as the Senior Advisor for Drug Policy and Research for the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Drugs and the Democratic Staff Director of the Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Control, working for then-Senator Joseph R. Biden, Jr.

"Steve Pasierb leaves a tremendous legacy. Under his leadership, the Partnership has become an organization that provides both a lifeline for families struggling with a child's substance abuse and also encouragement to teens striving to live above the influence," said Taylor. "I am passionate about our work and I look forward to continuing to move the Partnership along the path Steve created while the Board searches for his permanent successor."

Pasierb added, "I'm especially thankful that Marcia Lee Taylor has stepped forward to serve as interim President & CEO with our Board's full support. Everyone who knows Marcia understands her deep commitment to the work of the Partnership, exceptional talent and team leadership skills. Marcia has gained the admiration and respect of our staff, partners and donors alike."

In April, Pasierb will take on a new role as President & CEO of the Toy Industry Association, based in their headquarters in New York City.

About the Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids is dedicated to reducing substance abuse among adolescents by supporting families and engaging with teens. We develop public education campaigns that drive awareness of teen substance abuse, and lead teen-targeted efforts that inspire young people to make positive decisions to stay healthy and avoid drugs and alcohol. On our website, drugfree.org, and through our toll-free helpline (1-855-DRUGFREE), we provide families with direct support and guidance to help them address teen substance abuse. Finally, we build healthy communities, advocating for great access to adolescent treatment and funding for youth prevention programs. As a national nonprofit, we depend on donations from individuals, corporations, foundations and the public sector and are thankful to SAG-AFTRA and the advertising and media industries for their ongoing generosity. We are proud to receive a Four-Star rating from Charity Navigator, America's largest and most-utilized independent evaluator of charities, as well as a National Accredited Charity Seal from the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.

SOURCE The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids