American Lung Association Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to improving respiratory health, American Lung Association advances life-saving research and advocacy to eliminate lung disease across the United States.

Leadership Roles at American Lung Association

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tracy Ross
  • Chief Financial Officer - Laura Scott
  • 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. Ross manages the pursuit of improved lung health through rigorous research initiatives and national advocacy programs. By aligning the executive team with the core mission of preventing lung disease, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures operational excellence across all departments. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the Board to secure resources for public health education. Tracy Ross maintains a focus on scaling the impact of health programs to reach diverse populations nationwide. Through the coordination of cross-functional teams, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the organization toward long-term sustainability. By fostering partnerships with medical institutions and policy makers, Ross strengthens the influence of the organization in the healthcare sector. Ultimately, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the future of the mission through disciplined management and visionary leadership.

    Laura Scott - Chief Financial Officer

    Laura Scott, the Chief Financial Officer at American Lung Association, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire organization. Scott oversees the budgeting process, ensuring that funds support critical research and educational outreach programs. By monitoring financial performance, the Chief Financial Officer provides the necessary data for strategic decision-making at the executive level. This role involves maintaining transparency and compliance with regulatory standards while optimizing the use of charitable contributions. Laura Scott directs the financial planning required to sustain long-term health initiatives across the country. Through the implementation of robust accounting systems, the Chief Financial Officer protects the assets of the organization. By analyzing economic trends, Scott identifies opportunities for growth and efficiency. Ultimately, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that every dollar contributes directly to the mission of saving lives and improving respiratory health through disciplined financial stewardship.

    Robert Ellis - President & Founder

    Robert Ellis, the President & Founder at American Lung Association, provides the foundational guidance and historical context for the organization. Ellis oversees the preservation of the core mission while advising on long-term strategic directions. By maintaining the vision established at the inception of the organization, the President & Founder ensures continuity in the pursuit of lung health. This role involves mentoring leadership and providing insights into the evolution of public health advocacy. Robert Ellis directs the efforts to maintain the integrity of the organizational values during periods of growth. Through the support of research and education, the President & Founder influences the trajectory of the organization. By engaging with key stakeholders, Ellis reinforces the commitment to preventing lung disease. Ultimately, the President & Founder secures the legacy of the organization, ensuring that the original mission remains the driving force behind all current and future health initiatives.

    Stacy Dilling - Chief Marketing Officer

    Stacy Dilling, the Chief Marketing Officer at American Lung Association, architects the brand strategy and public awareness campaigns for the organization. Dilling oversees the communication channels that disseminate vital information regarding lung health and disease prevention. By crafting compelling narratives, the Chief Marketing Officer drives engagement with donors and the general public. This leadership role involves coordinating with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all digital and traditional platforms. Stacy Dilling manages the outreach efforts that amplify the impact of research and advocacy programs. Through the analysis of audience data, the Chief Marketing Officer refines marketing tactics to maximize reach and support. By building strong brand equity, Dilling enhances the visibility of the organization in the competitive health sector. Ultimately, the Chief Marketing Officer connects the mission to the community, ensuring that the message of lung health resonates with diverse audiences 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 development strategies. Krikorian oversees the recruitment of professionals dedicated to the mission of improving lung health. By fostering a culture of excellence, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the strategic goals of the organization. This role involves managing employee relations, performance management, and professional development programs. Sarah Krikorian implements policies that support a diverse and inclusive environment across all regional operations. Through the optimization of human capital, the Chief Human Resources Officer drives organizational efficiency and employee retention. By collaborating with other C-suite leaders, Krikorian ensures that the staffing structure supports the evolving needs of the health initiatives. Ultimately, the Chief Human Resources Officer builds the internal capacity required to sustain the long-term impact 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 operational flow between the executive office and the broader organization. Henry-Tanner oversees the execution of high-priority projects that advance the mission of preventing lung disease. By facilitating communication among senior leadership, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP ensures that strategic objectives remain on track. This role involves managing the administrative infrastructure and streamlining internal processes to improve organizational agility. Joenell Henry-Tanner directs the implementation of cross-departmental initiatives that support research and advocacy goals. Through the oversight of key operational workflows, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP enhances the efficiency of the executive team. By bridging the gap between strategy and execution, Henry-Tanner supports the overall growth of the organization. Ultimately, the Chief of Staff & Senior VP maintains the operational rhythm necessary to achieve the ambitious health goals of the organization.

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

    Barry Gottschalk, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) at American Lung Association, directs the operational activities across the Midland region. Gottschalk oversees the implementation of health programs and advocacy efforts tailored to the specific needs of the local communities. By managing regional partnerships, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) ensures that the mission of the organization reaches a broad audience. This role involves coordinating with local stakeholders to drive support for lung health initiatives. Barry Gottschalk monitors regional performance metrics to ensure alignment with national strategic goals. Through the leadership of regional teams, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) fosters community engagement and resource development. By addressing regional health challenges, Gottschalk contributes to the overall success of the organization. Ultimately, the Regional Executive & Vice President, States (Midland) strengthens the presence of the organization in the heartland, driving measurable improvements in respiratory health.

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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 Laura Scott (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), Laura Scott (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.