Hollywood, FL (March, 2004) — The Diabetes Research Institute Foundation (DRIF), the not-for-profit diabetes organization whose sole mission is to support the Diabetes Research Institute at the University of Miami School of Medicine, is pleased to announce the appointment of Arthur H. Hertz to its National Board of Directors.
A member of the University of Miami’s Board of Trustees, Hertz is serving as the University’s representative to the diabetes foundation board.
“The Diabetes Research Institute is recognized around the world for its outstanding scientific programs and is leading the way toward a cure for a disease that affects millions of children and adults. I am very excited to have this opportunity to help find a diabetes cure, and to become involved in the diabetes foundation’s widespread community,” said Hertz.
“Arthur is a long-time friend of the Diabetes Research Institute, and is a generous contributor to this diabetes organization. We are very pleased that he is now serving on our National Board of our diabetes research foundation, and look forward to an ongoing relationship that furthers both the Foundation’s and the University’s mutual interests,” said DRI Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Pearlman.
Hertz is Chairman and CEO of Wometco Enterprises, Inc., a private company that owns Marine Exhibition Corporation, the owner/operator of the Miami Seaquarium® and Wometco de Puerto Rico, Inc., the owner/operator of 57 Baskin-Robbins ice cream parlors in Puerto Rico, and franchisee of Dunkin’ Donuts for Puerto Rico.
He has served Wometco in various capacities since 1956, when he first joined the company as an accountant. In addition to successfully running Wometco, Hertz is also a seasoned real estate investor, serving as Chairman of the Board of Theater Realty, Inc., Hertz-Brown Venture 167 Corp., and Sawgrass Investment Corp.
He is an active participant in numerous professional organizations and charitable causes throughout the South Florida community, including Florida Tourism Commission, Visit Florida, Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Mitchell Wolfson Sr. Foundation, Jackson Memorial Hospital Foundation, YMCA and the National Audubon Association, among others.
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Media Contact:
Lori Weintraub, APR
(954) 964-4040
lweintraub@drif.org