MedicAlert Foundation, a part of the Turlock community for almost 60 years, is looking for a new home in town and is welcoming a new chief executive officer.

David Leslie, who has served on Medic Alert Foundation’s Board of Directors for the past year, is stepping up to the role of CEO. The move comes as the Foundation looks to move into a new facility in Turlock.

“I am honored to have been selected as MedicAlert Foundation’s next CEO. It is a privilege to be part of a charitable organization that delivers lifesaving services and solutions to members across the globe,” said Leslie. “This is an organization led by a mission – to protect and save lives- by serving as the information link between members and emergency responders during medical emergencies and other times of need. I will do my best to serve our members and enable this Foundation to fulfill the promises made in our mission.”

MedicAlert Foundation began in 1956 after Turlock resident Linda Collins had a near fatal reaction to a doctor-administered tetanus antitoxin. The Collins family had a desire to prevent a similar medical emergency in the future and that became the inspiration for the medical bracelets worn by individuals around the globe.

Leslie is the founder and CEO of ZippSlip.com, an e-commerce company in the education management industry. Prior to that Leslie held a variety of leadership positions in technology and consumer driven companies including acting CEO of the National Children’s Center, chairman and founder of TireVan Corporation and CEO and founder of Intersect Software Corporation.

“During this time of transformation within our industry there is no better person to lead MedicAlert than David Leslie,” said Barton Tretheway, the board chairman at MedicAlert Foundation. “David Leslie is a proven leader with experience in creating efficient and effective growth strategies. His experience with e-commerce organizations combined with the ability to bring people together to achieve a common purpose will provide the Foundation with a strong path forward. His vision for how personal medical information and technology will be used and experienced around the world is exactly what MedicAlert needs as the Foundation enters its next chapter of growth.”

Leslie succeeds Daniel McCormick, of ETR Associates who has served as interim CEO since November after Andrew Wigglesworth resigned from the position.

Leslie will be taking the helm of the Foundation as they seek a new location. The company’s headquarters on Colorado Avenue in Turlock is currently for sale with PMZ Commercial Real Estate for $4.55 million. The current facility houses the Foundation’s administration, manufacturing and call-center operations.

“The current site isn’t suitable to our business needs now,” said Justin Noland, the Foundation’s senior director of marketing.

Earlier this year the Foundation reduced its workforce from 91 to 60. Nolan said the Foundation will be relocating all 60 employees to the new site, once it is found.

The Foundation will be looking for a new facility in Turlock.

“We have no plans on leaving the area,” Noland said.