Genetic Alliance Selected as One of Washingtonian’s
Great Places to Work

WASHINGTON – October 22, 2009 – Washingtonian magazine chose Genetic Alliance as one of 50 “Great Places to Work.” Genetic Alliance is recognized for novel staff initiatives, innovative and challenging work, emphasis on work-life balance, employee recognition and respect, opportunities for growth and professional development, competitive pay and benefits packages, financial stability, and commitment to charity and community.

“Recognition as one of the Washingtonian’s ‘Great Places to Work’ is a testament to our philosophy that investing in our staff is our most important work,” said Sharon Terry, president and chief executive officer of Genetic Alliance. “Our mission is to transform health through genetics and we believe that transformation begins with each person. Our philosophy is manifest in our environment, and as a result we attract and retain talented individuals with a passion for personal and professional growth.”

All Genetic Alliance team members enjoy performance-based bonuses, pretax savings programs, tuition reimbursement, flexible telecommuting policies, in-office exercise space, casual dress code, employer-paid healthcare coverage, 403(b) plans, mobile phones, paid sabbaticals, employee longevity bonuses such as free parking, transportation subsidies, and health club membership reimbursement. An on-site career coach provides formal mentorship for all staff.

Genetic Alliance complements outstanding traditional employee benefits with innovative staff incentives that create an environment of teamwork, creativity and commitment to the mission. An annual $30,000 staff discretionary fund illustrates this core organizational value. Staff are charged with using the financial investment, at their sole discretion and in any form, to advance novel, innovative ideas that fall outside of the immediate purview of the approved annual budget.

“Building a culture of innovation as a mission-based organization means each team member is given a real opportunity to creatively and meaningfully contribute to the work we do,” said James O’Leary, the chief innovation officer at Genetic Alliance. “The result is an organizational opportunity to effect real change in our health system.”

“This award is particularly meaningful to us,” said Kemp Battle, treasurer and member of the Genetic Alliance Council, “because it endorses our core belief that the first and most important place to practice the principles we value is our own office.”

Genetic Alliance recently renovated and expanded its Washington, D.C., office. Staff and Council will host an open house on November 19, 2009. Genetic Alliance is currently hiring. To view job opportunities and open house details, visit http://www.geneticalliance.org.

This is the sixth time since 1999 Washingtonian magazine has chosen “Great Places to Work” in the Washington, D.C., area. The issue featuring Genetic Alliance is available on newsstands on October 22, 2009.

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About Genetic Alliance
Genetic Alliance transforms health through genetics, promoting an environment of openness centered on the health of individuals, families, and communities. Genetic Alliance brings together diverse stakeholders that create novel partnerships in advocacy; integrates individual, family, and community perspectives to improve health systems; and revolutionizes access to information to enable translation of research into services and individualized decision making. For more information about Genetic Alliance, visit http://www.geneticalliance.org.