American Lung Association Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

American Lung Association has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, human resources, and regional operations.

Committed to improving respiratory health, American Lung Association advances life-saving research and advocacy. This organization drives national efforts to prevent lung disease through education and public health initiatives.

Leadership Roles at American Lung Association

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tracy Ross
  • President and Chief Executive Officer - Marguerite Smith
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Lebo
  • President - John Rutkowski
  • President - Joan Bommen
  • President & Founder - Robert Ellis
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Stacy Dilling
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Sarah Krikorian
  • Chief of Staff & Senior VP - Joenell Henry-Tanner
  • Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) - Barry Gottschalk
  • Tracy Ross - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tracy Ross, the President & Chief Executive Officer at American Lung Association, directs the overarching strategic vision for national health initiatives. Ross architects long-term goals focused on eradicating lung disease through rigorous research funding and public policy advocacy. By aligning organizational resources with clinical priorities, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures maximum impact across North American health sectors. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to maintain fiscal health while expanding educational outreach programs. Tracy Ross monitors the efficacy of nationwide awareness campaigns, ensuring that every initiative directly supports the mission of saving lives. Through consistent engagement with medical professionals and policy makers, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the influence of the organization. Ultimately, Ross secures the necessary partnerships to sustain growth and innovation in respiratory health, fostering a future where lung disease no longer threatens public well-being.

    Marguerite Smith - President and Chief Executive Officer

    Marguerite Smith, the President and Chief Executive Officer at American Lung Association, manages the operational execution of health education programs. Smith designs frameworks for community-based interventions that target specific respiratory risks in diverse populations. As the President and Chief Executive Officer, Smith coordinates with internal departments to streamline the delivery of patient support services. This role requires balancing immediate public health needs with the long-term sustainability of charitable programs. Marguerite Smith evaluates the performance of various outreach initiatives, adjusting tactics to improve engagement and health outcomes. By fostering relationships with key stakeholders, the President and Chief Executive Officer amplifies the reach of educational materials. Smith maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that every dollar allocated to research and advocacy produces measurable improvements in lung health. Through this dedicated approach, Smith advances the core mission of the organization across all operational regions.

    Michael Lebo - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Lebo, the Chief Financial Officer at American Lung Association, oversees the fiscal integrity and resource allocation for all national health programs. Lebo manages the complex budgeting processes required to fund extensive research projects and public advocacy campaigns. As the Chief Financial Officer, Lebo ensures compliance with regulatory standards while optimizing the distribution of charitable assets. This leadership role involves analyzing financial trends to support the long-term viability of the organization. Michael Lebo directs the financial planning necessary to sustain operations across the United States, providing the stability required for continuous innovation in lung health. By implementing rigorous auditing and reporting protocols, the Chief Financial Officer maintains transparency for donors and partners. Lebo collaborates with other executives to align financial strategies with the broader mission, ensuring that every investment directly contributes to the prevention of lung disease and the improvement of patient outcomes.

    John Rutkowski - President

    John Rutkowski, the President at American Lung Association, leads specific regional health initiatives focused on expanding access to respiratory care and education. Rutkowski manages the implementation of local advocacy programs that address environmental and health-related lung risks. As the President, Rutkowski coordinates with community leaders to build partnerships that strengthen the impact of national health campaigns. This leadership role involves overseeing the operational success of regional teams, ensuring that resources are effectively deployed to meet local needs. John Rutkowski evaluates the efficacy of community outreach, adjusting strategies to improve public health outcomes in targeted areas. By fostering a collaborative environment, the President ensures that regional efforts remain consistent with the overarching mission of the organization. Rutkowski drives the growth of local support networks, providing the necessary infrastructure to sustain long-term improvements in lung health and disease prevention across the assigned operational territory.

    Joan Bommen - President

    Joan Bommen, the President at American Lung Association, directs the development and execution of specialized health programs aimed at reducing the prevalence of lung disease. Bommen manages the integration of research findings into practical educational tools for patients and healthcare providers. As the President, Bommen oversees the coordination of public health initiatives that target specific demographic groups at high risk for respiratory issues. This role involves managing relationships with clinical partners to ensure that the organization remains at the forefront of lung health innovation. Joan Bommen monitors the performance of these programs, utilizing data to refine interventions and maximize impact. By aligning regional activities with the national mission, the President ensures that every initiative contributes to the broader goal of saving lives. Bommen provides the leadership necessary to navigate complex health landscapes, ensuring that the organization continues to deliver high-quality support and advocacy services.

    Robert Ellis - President & Founder

    Robert Ellis, the President & Founder at American Lung Association, provides the foundational vision and strategic guidance that define the long-term trajectory of the organization. Ellis manages the preservation of the core mission while adapting to emerging challenges in respiratory health and public policy. As the President & Founder, Ellis oversees the development of high-level partnerships that sustain the research and advocacy efforts of the organization. This leadership role involves mentoring the executive team to ensure continuity and alignment with the original goals of the institution. Robert Ellis evaluates the impact of long-standing programs, identifying opportunities for innovation and growth in the field of lung disease prevention. By maintaining a focus on the fundamental values of the organization, the President & Founder ensures that all activities remain true to the commitment of saving lives. Ellis provides the historical context and strategic foresight necessary to navigate the evolving landscape of public health.

    Stacy Dilling - Chief Marketing Officer

    Stacy Dilling, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Lung Association, architects the brand strategy and public awareness campaigns that drive engagement with respiratory health initiatives. Dilling manages the digital and traditional communication channels used to disseminate vital information about lung disease prevention. As the Chief Marketing Officer, Dilling develops messaging that resonates with diverse audiences, from patients to policy makers. This role involves overseeing the creative direction of national campaigns to ensure consistency with the organizational mission. Stacy Dilling analyzes market data to refine outreach efforts, maximizing the impact of educational content across North American markets. By collaborating with the development team, the Chief Marketing Officer secures the visibility needed to attract donors and volunteers. Dilling ensures that all marketing activities support the broader goal of improving lung health, effectively translating complex medical research into accessible public knowledge that inspires action and support.
    Stacy Dilling

    Sarah Krikorian - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Sarah Krikorian, the Chief Human Resources Officer at American Lung Association, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies that support the mission of improving lung health. Krikorian manages the recruitment of specialized staff capable of advancing research and advocacy goals. As the Chief Human Resources Officer, Krikorian fosters a culture of excellence and inclusivity, ensuring that the workforce remains aligned with the core values of the organization. This leadership role involves designing professional development programs that enhance the capabilities of teams across all regions. Sarah Krikorian oversees performance management systems to ensure that every employee contributes effectively to the prevention of lung disease. By implementing robust employee engagement initiatives, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains high levels of productivity and retention. Krikorian collaborates with the executive team to address organizational needs, ensuring that the human capital strategy directly supports the long-term success of the American Lung Association.

    Joenell Henry-Tanner - Chief of Staff & Senior VP

    Joenell Henry-Tanner, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP at American Lung Association, coordinates the strategic operations and executive communications that facilitate the daily functioning of the organization. Henry-Tanner manages the flow of information between the leadership team and the Board, ensuring that critical decisions align with the mission of improving lung health. As the Chief of Staff & Senior VP, Henry-Tanner oversees cross-departmental projects that require high-level integration and oversight. This role involves streamlining administrative processes to improve efficiency across all national operations. Joenell Henry-Tanner monitors the progress of key initiatives, providing the necessary support to ensure that strategic goals are met on time. By facilitating collaboration among senior leaders, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP maintains organizational focus on research and advocacy. Henry-Tanner ensures that the executive office operates with precision, directly supporting the broader efforts to prevent lung disease and save lives.

    Barry Gottschalk - Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland)

    Barry Gottschalk, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) at American Lung Association, oversees the operational success of health programs across the Midland region. Gottschalk manages the deployment of advocacy and education resources to address specific respiratory health challenges within this geographic area. As the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland), Gottschalk coordinates with local stakeholders to build support for national research and prevention initiatives. This leadership role involves optimizing the use of regional assets to ensure that programs reach the populations most in need. Barry Gottschalk monitors the progress of regional health outcomes, providing the necessary guidance to improve the effectiveness of local interventions. By maintaining strong relationships with community partners, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) strengthens the presence of the organization. Gottschalk ensures that regional operations remain aligned with the national mission, driving consistent progress in lung health and disease prevention.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding American Lung Association Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads American Lung Association?
    American Lung Association is led by Tracy Ross (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Marguerite Smith (President and Chief Executive Officer) and Michael Lebo (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of American Lung Association’s executive team?
    The executive team of American Lung Association includes leaders such as Tracy Ross (President & Chief Executive Officer), Marguerite Smith (President and Chief Executive Officer), Michael Lebo (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does American Lung Association have?
    American Lung Association has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in American Lung Association’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of American Lung Association includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, President.