American Lung Association Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

American Lung Association has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, financial oversight, marketing, human resources, operations, organizational development, and regional management.

Dedicated to improving respiratory health, American Lung Association advances life-saving research and advocacy to eliminate lung disease through comprehensive education and community-based support programs.

Leadership Roles at American Lung Association

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tracy Ross
  • Chief Financial Officer - Michael Lebo
  • 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 the organization. By aligning national research initiatives with public health advocacy, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the mission to eradicate lung disease remains the primary focus. Tracy Ross manages high-level partnerships with medical institutions and government bodies to secure funding for critical respiratory health programs. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of organizational impact across the United States to maximize the effectiveness of educational outreach. By fostering collaboration among the executive team, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives long-term sustainability and growth. Through rigorous oversight of national health campaigns, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the reputation of the organization as a leader in lung health. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the resources necessary to save lives and improve air quality for all citizens.

    Michael Lebo - Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Lebo, the Chief Financial Officer at American Lung Association, manages the fiscal health and budgetary integrity of the organization. Overseeing complex financial reporting and resource allocation, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that donor contributions directly support research and advocacy efforts. Michael Lebo maintains strict compliance with regulatory standards while optimizing the financial structure to support nationwide health initiatives. This role requires constant coordination with the board to balance operational costs against the need for expanded public health programming. By implementing robust financial controls, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the organization. The Chief Financial Officer also evaluates investment strategies to ensure long-term stability for ongoing lung disease prevention projects. Through precise fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to scale operations effectively across diverse regions, ensuring that every dollar contributes to the mission of improving lung health for the public.

    Robert Ellis - President & Founder

    Robert Ellis, the President & Founder at American Lung Association, provides the foundational vision and historical context for the ongoing mission of the organization. By guiding the long-term development of core programs, the President & Founder ensures that the original commitment to lung health remains central to all current activities. Robert Ellis advises the leadership team on strategic pivots required to address emerging respiratory threats. This role involves maintaining relationships with legacy partners and donors who support the foundational goals of the organization. By championing the importance of research and education, the President & Founder inspires the staff to pursue innovative solutions to lung disease. The President & Founder also evaluates the impact of historical initiatives to inform future advocacy efforts. Through consistent focus on the core mission, the President & Founder preserves the integrity of the organization while adapting to the evolving needs of the public health landscape.

    Stacy Dilling - Chief Marketing Officer

    Stacy Dilling, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Lung Association, architects the brand strategy and public awareness campaigns that define the organization. By leading national communication efforts, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that critical information regarding lung health reaches diverse populations. Stacy Dilling manages digital engagement and media relations to amplify the impact of advocacy programs. This leadership role involves crafting messaging that resonates with donors and patients alike, driving participation in health education initiatives. By analyzing market trends, the Chief Marketing Officer identifies opportunities to expand the reach of the organization into new demographics. The Chief Marketing Officer also coordinates with regional teams to ensure consistent brand messaging across all operational territories. Through innovative storytelling and strategic outreach, the Chief Marketing Officer increases public support for lung disease prevention, ultimately strengthening the ability of the organization to influence public policy and improve respiratory outcomes nationwide.
    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 culture strategies. By fostering an environment of professional excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of improving lung health. Sarah Krikorian manages employee development programs and performance management systems to support the operational goals of the organization. This role involves designing compensation structures that attract top talent in the non-profit sector. By overseeing internal communications and staff engagement, the Chief Human Resources Officer maintains high levels of productivity across all departments. The Chief Human Resources Officer also implements policies that promote diversity and inclusion, ensuring that the organization reflects the communities served. Through strategic workforce planning, the Chief Human Resources Officer provides the human capital necessary to execute complex research and advocacy projects, directly supporting the long-term success of the organization.

    Joenell Henry-Tanner - Chief of Staff & Senior VP

    Joenell Henry-Tanner, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP at American Lung Association, coordinates the daily operations and strategic priorities of the executive office. By facilitating communication between the leadership team and the board, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP ensures that organizational objectives remain on track. Joenell Henry-Tanner manages cross-functional projects that integrate research, advocacy, and education into a cohesive operational framework. This role involves streamlining decision-making processes to improve efficiency across the organization. By monitoring the progress of key initiatives, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP identifies potential bottlenecks and implements solutions to maintain momentum. The Chief of Staff & Senior VP also represents the organization in high-level meetings, ensuring that the strategic vision is communicated clearly to external stakeholders. Through meticulous project management and operational oversight, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP enables the organization to achieve its mission of preventing lung disease with greater speed and precision.

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

    Barry Gottschalk, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) at American Lung Association, directs the implementation of health programs across the Midland region. By overseeing local advocacy and community outreach, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) ensures that national initiatives are adapted to meet the specific needs of the population. Barry Gottschalk manages regional partnerships with healthcare providers and local government agencies to expand the reach of lung disease prevention services. This role involves coordinating with the national office to align regional activities with the broader strategic goals of the organization. By monitoring regional health outcomes, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) identifies areas for improvement and allocates resources to maximize impact. Through effective leadership of regional teams, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) strengthens the presence of the organization in the community, ensuring that life-saving education and support services remain accessible to all residents.

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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 Michael Lebo (Chief Financial Officer) and Robert Ellis (President & Founder).
    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), Michael Lebo (Chief Financial Officer), Robert Ellis (President & Founder) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does American Lung Association have?
    American Lung Association has 7 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, Chief Financial Officer, President & Founder, Chief Marketing Officer, Chief Human Resources Officer.