Alzheimer's Association Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Alzheimer's Association has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, and research.

Driven by a commitment to eradicating Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's Association advances research, provides comprehensive care and support, and promotes brain health to reduce dementia risk.

Leadership Roles at Alzheimer's Association

  • Chief Executive Officer - Jan Bequeath
  • Chief Executive Officer & President - Cynthia Alewine
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Susan Friedman
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Theresa Hocker
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Teresa Stewart
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Linda Mitchell
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Joanne Pike
  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Linda Vanderhoff
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Gino Colombara
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Bettina Kurowski
  • Jan Bequeath - Chief Executive Officer

    Jan Bequeath, the Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, directs the organization's overarching strategy and operational execution. This leadership role involves guiding the non-profit's mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through research advancement, enhancing care and support for those affected, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Bequeath oversees the integration of research initiatives with direct patient and family services, ensuring a cohesive approach to combating the disease. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities extend to fostering key relationships with research institutions, healthcare providers, and advocacy groups, amplifying the organization's impact. Jan Bequeath drives the strategic vision, ensuring all departments align with the core objectives of care, support, and research, ultimately aiming for a future free from Alzheimer's disease. This executive's focus is on maximizing the organization's reach and effectiveness across all programs and initiatives.

    Cynthia Alewine - Chief Executive Officer & President

    Cynthia Alewine, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Alzheimer's Association, spearheads the organization's strategic direction and operational management. This dual role encompasses driving the mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for all affected individuals, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Alewine oversees the coordination of research funding and development with the delivery of comprehensive support services to patients and their families. The Chief Executive Officer & President's purview includes cultivating partnerships with scientific bodies, healthcare networks, and community organizations to broaden the Association's influence. Cynthia Alewine ensures that all organizational efforts are aligned with the primary goals of advancing research, improving care, and preventing dementia, thereby maximizing the positive impact on public health. This leadership position is critical for navigating the complex landscape of disease eradication and patient advocacy.

    Susan Friedman - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Susan Friedman, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, leads the organization's strategic initiatives and operational framework. This executive role is central to advancing the mission of eliminating Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for those impacted, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Friedman directs the integration of cutting-edge research findings with the provision of essential support services for patients and their families. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include forging vital collaborations with research institutions, medical professionals, and advocacy networks to expand the Association's global reach. Susan Friedman ensures that all facets of the organization work in concert to achieve the core objectives of research acceleration, improved patient care, and dementia risk reduction, thereby driving progress toward a cure and better outcomes for all. This position is pivotal in steering the organization's efforts.

    Theresa Hocker - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Theresa Hocker, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, directs the organization's strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership position is fundamental to advancing the mission of eradicating Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for all affected, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Hocker oversees the critical alignment of research efforts with the delivery of comprehensive support services to patients and their families. The President & Chief Executive Officer's scope includes developing and nurturing key partnerships with scientific communities, healthcare providers, and public health organizations to amplify the Association's impact. Theresa Hocker ensures that all organizational activities are synchronized with the primary goals of accelerating research, improving patient care, and mitigating dementia risk, thereby driving forward the quest for a cure and enhanced quality of life. This executive's leadership is vital for sustained progress.

    Teresa Stewart - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Teresa Stewart, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, guides the organization's strategic planning and operational management. This executive role is paramount in advancing the mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for all impacted individuals, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Stewart orchestrates the synergy between groundbreaking research initiatives and the provision of essential support services for patients and their families. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass building and maintaining strategic alliances with research bodies, medical institutions, and advocacy groups to broaden the Association's influence. Teresa Stewart ensures that all organizational endeavors are aligned with the core objectives of driving research forward, improving patient care, and reducing the incidence of dementia, thereby contributing significantly to public health outcomes. This leadership function is key to achieving organizational milestones.

    Linda Mitchell - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Linda Mitchell, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, leads the organization's strategic direction and operational framework. This executive position is critical for advancing the mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for all affected, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Mitchell oversees the integration of research advancements with the delivery of comprehensive support services to patients and their families. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering collaborations with scientific institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand the Association's reach and impact. Linda Mitchell ensures that all organizational efforts are aligned with the primary goals of accelerating research, improving patient care, and mitigating dementia risk, thereby driving progress toward a cure and better outcomes for all. This leadership role is instrumental in achieving the organization's ambitious goals.

    Joanne Pike - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Joanne Pike, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, directs the organization's strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role is fundamental to advancing the mission of eradicating Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for all affected, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Pike oversees the critical alignment of research efforts with the delivery of comprehensive support services to patients and their families. The President & Chief Executive Officer's scope includes developing and nurturing key partnerships with scientific communities, healthcare providers, and public health organizations to amplify the Association's impact. Joanne Pike ensures that all organizational activities are synchronized with the primary goals of accelerating research, improving patient care, and mitigating dementia risk, thereby driving forward the quest for a cure and enhanced quality of life. This executive's leadership is vital for sustained progress and organizational success.
    Joanne Pike

    Linda Vanderhoff - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Linda Vanderhoff, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, guides the organization's strategic planning and operational management. This executive role is paramount in advancing the mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for all impacted individuals, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Vanderhoff orchestrates the synergy between groundbreaking research initiatives and the provision of essential support services for patients and their families. The President and Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities encompass building and maintaining strategic alliances with research bodies, medical institutions, and advocacy groups to broaden the Association's influence. Linda Vanderhoff ensures that all organizational endeavors are aligned with the core objectives of driving research forward, improving patient care, and reducing the incidence of dementia, thereby contributing significantly to public health outcomes. This leadership function is key to achieving organizational milestones and advancing the fight against Alzheimer's.

    Gino Colombara - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Gino Colombara, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, leads the organization's strategic direction and operational framework. This executive position is critical for advancing the mission to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for all affected, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Colombara oversees the integration of research advancements with the delivery of comprehensive support services to patients and their families. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering collaborations with scientific institutions, healthcare providers, and community organizations to expand the Association's reach and impact. Gino Colombara ensures that all organizational efforts are aligned with the primary goals of accelerating research, improving patient care, and mitigating dementia risk, thereby driving progress toward a cure and better outcomes for all. This leadership role is instrumental in achieving the organization's ambitious goals and furthering its mission.

    Bettina Kurowski - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Bettina Kurowski, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Alzheimer's Association, directs the organization's strategic vision and operational execution. This leadership role is fundamental to advancing the mission of eradicating Alzheimer's disease through research, enhancing care and support for all affected, and promoting brain health to reduce dementia risk. Kurowski oversees the critical alignment of research efforts with the delivery of comprehensive support services to patients and their families. The President & Chief Executive Officer's scope includes developing and nurturing key partnerships with scientific communities, healthcare providers, and public health organizations to amplify the Association's impact. Bettina Kurowski ensures that all organizational activities are synchronized with the primary goals of accelerating research, improving patient care, and mitigating dementia risk, thereby driving forward the quest for a cure and enhanced quality of life. This executive's leadership is vital for sustained progress and organizational success in combating Alzheimer's disease.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Alzheimer's Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Alzheimer's Association?
    Alzheimer's Association is led by Jan Bequeath (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cynthia Alewine (Chief Executive Officer & President) and Susan Friedman (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Alzheimer's Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of Alzheimer's Association includes leaders such as Jan Bequeath (Chief Executive Officer), Cynthia Alewine (Chief Executive Officer & President), Susan Friedman (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Alzheimer's Association have?
    Alzheimer's Association has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Alzheimer's Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Alzheimer's Association includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & President, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer.