BOISE, Idaho (Legal Newsline) - Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has been appointed chairman of the board of directors of Legacy, a national public health organization that works to save lives from tobacco-related disease.

The American Legacy Foundation was created as a result of the November 1998 master settlement agreement reached between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories and the tobacco industry to prevent smoking-related disease and death in the United States by reducing youth tobacco smoking and helping adult smokers quit.

Wasden has served as one of two attorneys general on the board since 2004 and was elected board chair in May to guide the strategic goals and objectives of the organization.

"Tobacco use continues to be the leading cause of preventable death," Wasden said. "Too many of our children are exposed to and consider trying smoking to their detriment and harm. Legacy is a recognized leader in the fight to prevent tobacco-related disease and death in our country. I am honored to serve as the chairman of its board of directors. Legacy's purposes and work have never been more relevant or needed than now. I look forward to working hard on behalf of our nation's public health."

Wasden is a 22-year veteran of the office of the attorney general, previously serving as the chief of staff to the attorney general, as the deputy chief of staff and as a deputy attorney general representing the Idaho State Tax Commission.

Wasden is also a past president of the National Association of Attorneys General and has received the organization's highest honor, the Kelley-Wyman Award, given to the attorney general who has done the most to achieve the objectives of the association.

"General Wasden first joined Legacy's board with enthusiasm and a meticulous work ethic," Cheryl G. Healton, president and CEO of Legacy, said. "His legal expertise and visionary leadership throughout his service has been invaluable and we are thrilled to have him guide us as Chair through Legacy's next decade."