Johnson to Lead Anatomic Global Humanitarian Initiative

February 16, 2010  by in UnCategorized   

By Home Furnishings Business in Community/Charitable Support on February 17, 2010

Memory foam mattress manufacturer Anatomic Global, Corona, Calif., has appointed Patrick L. Johnson executive director of its WorldBed humanitarian initiative.

In this new position, Johnson, formerly CEO of Pro-Dex Inc., will focus on strategic growth opportunities and oversee fundraising efforts to make possible the delivery of 200,000 emergency field beds to displaced Haitians following the Jan. 12 earthquake near Port-au-Prince.

"The need for beds in Haiti is so great that it requires us to partner beyond our key suppliers," said Anatomic Global CEO David Farley. "Johnson will play a critical role in the WorldBed initiative. He has the right leadership skills, experience and contacts we need to reach our goal."

Johnson will oversee raising $7.4 million in funds, the cost it will take to make, transport and deliver on the ground 200,000 WorldBeds. To date Anatomic Global has been joined in the effort by FXI Foamex Innovations, Deslee Textiles USA, Royal Packaging, Brookwood Companies and Parakletos International in the campaign. In addition, the company is re-investing corporate profits from all operations for the first quarter of 2010 to manufacture WorldBeds for Haitian relief. This level of financial commitment will enable the delivery of the first 30,000 WorldBeds to Haiti, a process that has already begun.

At Pro-Dex, Johnson implemented a new strategic business model that significantly increased the company's profitability.  He has more than 25 years experience in manufacturing and business development and previously held positions at Sybron Dental, Tycom Dental Corporation, Dabico Inc.

"I am very excited to contribute to this important project and enable Anatomic Global and its industry partners to provide much needed assistance to the victims of the horrible tragedy in Haiti," Johnson said. "I really see it as a calling to use my leadership and business skills in such a way that it can make a difference to so many people in need.  Our team is heading to Haiti in the next week to assess the needs on the ground so we can determine how to get the most help to the most people in the shortest amount of time."

The WorldBed humanitarian effort encompasses a specially designed, cot-sized 3-inch foam mattress that can be quickly dispatched, in volume, to areas of need, anywhere, worldwide. The initiative, which began in the aftermath of 2005's Hurricane Katrina, seeks to provide needed comfort, increased levels of health and safety, and a more sanitary place to sleep in an effort to speed recovery and aid in healing.

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