John Pennett of Watchung Honored as Father of the Year by American Diabetes Association
On Wednesday night, June 10, at the Newark Club, the American Diabetes Association and the Father’s Day Council of New Jersey awarded three men for their commitment to help stop diabetes as well as their ability to balance their personal and professional lives, and serve as a role model for their children, while making a positive difference in their communities. One of those fathers was John Pennett of Watchung.
A Rutgers University graduate, Pennett, serves as the Partner-in-Charge of the Life Sciences and Technology Groups at EisnerAmper LLP, one of the largest accounting and advisory firms in the United States. He has worked in public accounting for more than 30 years, with a strong emphasis on both public and private life sciences companies.
Pennett and his wife, Karen, are the parents of two children – Walter and Melissa. He has coached basketball, baseball and soccer for his kids’ teams through 8th grade and serves on the fundraising committee for the local Boy Scout troop. He also serves on the Recreation Commission for the town of Watchung.
“We are proud of these exceptional fathers who have demonstrated the ability to balance a high level of success in their chosen careers, and serve as great role models in our community,” said Denise Andersen, executive director of the New Jersey market of the Association. “They deserve recognition not only as fathers and community leaders, but for their commitment to help change the future of diabetes.”
All proceeds from the event will support the American Diabetes Association and its mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
Today, there are nearly 30 million Americans—including more than 8% of New Jersey residents –who have diabetes. Unfortunately, more than 8 million people are unaware that they have the disease. If present trends continue, one in three Americans faces a future with diabetes by 2050.
About the New Jersey Father’s Day Council
The New Jersey chapter of the National Father’s Day Council is a volunteer organization that annually honors individuals who exemplify outstanding commitment to children, family and community. The National Father’s Day Council was established in 1931. It holds Father of the Year awards events in 18 cities across the nation. National honorees have included John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Colin Powell, Jack Lemmon, George Foreman, and Wolf Blitzer.
About the American Diabetes Association
The American Diabetes Association is leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. The Association funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes; delivers services to hundreds of communities; provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes. Founded in 1940, our mission is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes. For more information please call the American Diabetes Association at 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383) or visit www.diabetes.org. Information from both these sources is available in English and Spanish.
Submitted by Doreen Pustizzi, Marketing Manager, American Diabetes Association
