Fern Ingber, the founding president and CEO of America’s ToothFairy: National Children’s Oral Health Foundation, has announced her retirement. Former chief operating officer (COO) Jill Malmgren has assumed leadership of the organization as executive director. Ingber will serve as president emeritus in an advisory capacity until February 28, 2017.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of America’s ToothFairy, I would like to express our sincerest thanks to Fern Ingber for her dedication to children’s oral health and more than 10 years of exemplary service,” said James Ingebrand, vice president and general manager of 3M Oral Care and chairman of the board of America’s ToothFairy.
“Under Fern’s leadership, America’s ToothFairy has built an outstanding portfolio of community-based programs delivering vital oral health education and services to millions of children and families, while establishing important partnerships and fundraising initiatives to support the organization’s future growth and sustainability,” said Ingebrand.
Ingber initially served as the strategy consultant for the establishment of the foundation and then became its president and CEO, a role she has held since January 2006. Previously, she held presidential and vice presidential positions with the Cancer Treatment Research Foundation, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and the National Health Museum.
“The many quiet heroes, who work every day to give our children a better chance for a healthier future, have inspired me. The families we serve often endure terrible adversity and dehumanizing experiences. With every undertaking, we have tried to come a little closer to our goal of helping these children prepare for proud and productive lives,” said Ingber.
“I have been very fortunate to work with many exceptional individuals who generously shared their time, talents, and financial resources. Together, we have shared a passionate commitment to a future where no child suffers from preventable dental disease,” Ingber said. “I am confident that the organization is in extremely good hands.”
As COO of America’s ToothFairy, Malmgren oversaw operations, strengthened key stakeholder relationships, implemented systems to improve efficiency and monitor program performance, and helped spearhead programs contributing to the organization’s ability to expand services for vulnerable youth and engage youth in oral health protection.
“Having been involved with America’s ToothFairy since its inception, I am deeply committed to its mission,” said Malmgren. “I look forward to working with the board of directors, our steadfast partners, and those dedicated to improving children’s overall health and wellness to build upon our legacy of excellence in oral health programming and make a difference in young lives.”
“I am confident that the organization is in extremely good hands with the high-caliber, outstanding leadership that Jill Malmgren will provide,” said Ingber. “With several years of experience in the dental industry and having previously served as COO of the foundation, Jill is very well prepared to assume this role.”
“[Mamlgren’s] exceptional business vision, strong management skills, and more than 10 years of experience in the dental industry and with America’s ToothFairy make her the ideal candidate to assume this role,” said Ingebrand. “She has unanimous support from the board, and we look forward to working with her.”
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