WHITE PLAINS, N.Y., JUNE 15, 2012 -- Two industry leaders from the fields of media and law have been elected to the March of Dimes National Board of Trustees, it was announced today. March of Dimes trustees, who serve as volunteers, represent the public in governing the organization and advancing its mission. They serve five-year terms.

          The new trustees are: Dana W. Points, editor-in-chief for Parents and American Baby and the content director for the Meredith Parents Network, which encompasses Parents, American Baby, Family Fun and Ser Padres on all platforms, and Harry E. Johnson, J.D., an attorney and entrepreneur. Both are long-time March of Dimes volunteers. They join a distinguished group of more than 30 trustees as the organization prepares to celebrate its 75th anniversary next year.

          Ms. Points has been a long-time member of the March of Dimes National Communications Advisory Council, a volunteer group of senior editors of national media outlets that advise the March of Dimes on topics of interest to the news media. Mr. Johnson has supported the March of Dimes through his work with the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

          “We’re so pleased these dedicated volunteers with such different business experience are willing to take on this new role and work with us to give more of America’s babies a healthy start in life,” said Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes.

          Ms. Points was an editor specializing in women’s health and well-being for more than 15 years before being named as Editor-in-Chief of Parents in 2010. Previously, she was Executive Editor of Self, where she also edited the food magazine Self Dishes, and the magazine’s book 15 Minutes to Your Best Self. She has also been Executive Editor of “American Health for Women”, a Reader’s Digest publication, and held editorial positions with Mademoiselle and Family Circle. Ms. Points is a graduate of Barnard College and Columbia University. She and her husband, Mark, L. Satlof, and have two sons, Eli and Leo and live in New York, NY. She also is a board member of Safe Kids Worldwide.

          Mr. Johnson is a partner of a private law firm that specializes in corporate law, federal criminal defense, and personal injury. He is the former president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, a partner organization with March of Dimes. He is also the president and chief executive officer of the Washington D.C. Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial Project Foundation, Inc. In addition, he has received a number of recognitions for his community involvement and public service, including the Trumpet Award, President Award, 2011; National Service Award, Diplomatic Core, Washington, D.C., 2007; and Trailblazer Award, NAACP, Missouri City Branch, 2004. He is a graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana and earned his Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Southern University's Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He and his wife, Karen, have three children, Jennifer, Harry Jr., and Nicholas and live in Houston TX.

          The March of Dimes is the leading nonprofit organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for Babies®, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.