BreakthroughT1D Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

BreakthroughT1D has 10 executives leading key functions including research strategy, organizational growth, marketing, financial management, human resources, and regional board leadership.

Committed to accelerating life-changing breakthroughs, BreakthroughT1D advances global type 1 diabetes research and advocacy to improve daily life and secure future cures.

Leadership Roles at BreakthroughT1D

  • Chief Executive Officer - Aaron Kowalski
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Alan Lewis
  • Chief Financial Officer - David Mutthumani
  • Chapter Board President - David Goodes
  • President, Chapter (Georgia) - Barbara Williams
  • President - Mary Ann Rentsch
  • JDRF Board President and Gala Chairwoman, Northern Indiana - Rhonda Bursley
  • Board President for Oklahoma - Brett Stone
  • Chief Marketing Officer - Pam Morrisroe
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Tracy Mido
  • Aaron Kowalski - Chief Executive Officer

    Aaron Kowalski, the Chief Executive Officer at BreakthroughT1D, directs the overarching research strategy and global advocacy initiatives. Overseeing the scientific pipeline, the Chief Executive Officer ensures that investments target the most promising therapeutic pathways for type 1 diabetes. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with government entities to influence policy and secure resources for the community. By aligning organizational goals with clinical progress, Aaron Kowalski directly impacts the speed of innovation. The Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on translating complex research into tangible improvements for patients worldwide. Through rigorous oversight of the research portfolio, Kowalski drives the mission to eliminate the burden of this condition. This executive position requires balancing scientific rigor with the urgent needs of the global patient population, ensuring that every dollar invested advances the path toward a cure.

    Alan Lewis - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Alan Lewis, the President & Chief Executive Officer at BreakthroughT1D, manages the operational execution and long-term growth strategy of the organization. Overseeing the integration of advocacy and research programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the business model remains sustainable and impactful. This leadership role involves coordinating with the Board to define the strategic vision for global expansion and community engagement. By optimizing internal processes, Alan Lewis directly supports the organization's ability to scale its reach. The President & Chief Executive Officer fosters partnerships that strengthen the financial foundation necessary for ongoing research investments. Through disciplined management, Lewis secures the resources required to empower individuals facing type 1 diabetes. This executive position demands a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that the organization effectively translates its mission into measurable progress across all international markets.

    David Mutthumani - Chief Financial Officer

    David Mutthumani, the Chief Financial Officer at BreakthroughT1D, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the organization. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis functions, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that capital is directed toward high-impact research and advocacy programs. This leadership role involves maintaining transparency with stakeholders and ensuring compliance with all regulatory standards. By optimizing the budget, David Mutthumani directly supports the organization's ability to fund critical scientific breakthroughs. The Chief Financial Officer monitors the financial performance of regional operations to ensure alignment with global objectives. Through rigorous fiscal oversight, Mutthumani secures the long-term stability required to pursue a cure for type 1 diabetes. This executive position demands a focus on efficiency and accountability, ensuring that every financial decision contributes to the overarching mission of improving lives and driving progress in the medical field.
    David Mutthumani

    David Goodes - Chapter Board President

    David Goodes, the Chapter Board President at BreakthroughT1D, leads the local governance and community engagement efforts. Overseeing the regional board activities, the Chapter Board President ensures that local initiatives align with the broader national research and advocacy mission. This leadership role involves mobilizing volunteers and donors to support the organization's goals within the community. By fostering strong local partnerships, David Goodes directly contributes to the success of fundraising and awareness campaigns. The Chapter Board President facilitates communication between the local chapter and the national leadership team to ensure strategic consistency. Through dedicated community outreach, Goodes empowers individuals and families affected by type 1 diabetes. This executive position requires a focus on local impact and community building, ensuring that the organization's mission is effectively executed at the grassroots level to drive meaningful change.

    Barbara Williams - President, Chapter (Georgia)

    Barbara Williams, the President, Chapter (Georgia) at BreakthroughT1D, directs the strategic operations and community outreach within the Georgia region. Overseeing the local board and volunteer network, the President, Chapter (Georgia) ensures that regional activities support the national mission of curing type 1 diabetes. This leadership role involves managing local fundraising events and advocacy efforts that engage the regional community. By building relationships with local stakeholders, Barbara Williams directly increases the visibility and impact of the organization. The President, Chapter (Georgia) coordinates with national leadership to implement programs that provide education and support to local families. Through active community engagement, Williams drives the success of regional initiatives. This executive position requires a focus on local growth and resource mobilization, ensuring that the organization's goals are met through effective regional leadership and community participation.

    Mary Ann Rentsch - President

    Mary Ann Rentsch, the President at BreakthroughT1D, oversees the strategic direction and operational success of specific organizational divisions. Overseeing the implementation of key programs, the President ensures that all activities remain focused on the core mission of advancing type 1 diabetes research. This leadership role involves coordinating with other executives to align departmental goals with the overall organizational strategy. By driving operational efficiency, Mary Ann Rentsch directly supports the organization's ability to deliver on its promises to the community. The President manages the execution of critical projects that enhance the organization's reach and impact. Through consistent leadership, Rentsch ensures that the team remains committed to the pursuit of a cure. This executive position requires a focus on strategic alignment and performance management, ensuring that the organization effectively utilizes its resources to achieve its long-term vision.

    Rhonda Bursley - JDRF Board President and Gala Chairwoman, Northern Indiana

    Rhonda Bursley, the JDRF Board President and Gala Chairwoman, Northern Indiana at BreakthroughT1D, directs the regional fundraising and board governance activities. Overseeing the planning and execution of major gala events, the JDRF Board President and Gala Chairwoman, Northern Indiana ensures that these initiatives generate significant support for research. This leadership role involves engaging local donors and community leaders to advance the organization's mission. By managing the gala strategy, Rhonda Bursley directly contributes to the financial resources available for scientific breakthroughs. The JDRF Board President and Gala Chairwoman, Northern Indiana coordinates with the national team to ensure that regional efforts reflect the organization's broader goals. Through dedicated leadership, Bursley fosters a strong community presence. This executive position requires a focus on event management and donor relations, ensuring that regional activities effectively support the organization's commitment to curing type 1 diabetes.

    Brett Stone - Board President for Oklahoma

    Brett Stone, the Board President for Oklahoma at BreakthroughT1D, leads the regional governance and strategic development for the Oklahoma chapter. Overseeing the board's activities, the Board President for Oklahoma ensures that local initiatives are aligned with the national research and advocacy agenda. This leadership role involves cultivating relationships with local supporters and community partners to drive engagement. By providing strategic guidance to the board, Brett Stone directly impacts the success of regional fundraising and awareness efforts. The Board President for Oklahoma facilitates the implementation of national programs at the local level to support families affected by type 1 diabetes. Through active leadership, Stone ensures that the chapter remains a vital part of the organization's global mission. This executive position requires a focus on regional growth and community impact, ensuring that the organization's goals are achieved through effective local governance.

    Pam Morrisroe - Chief Marketing Officer

    Pam Morrisroe, the Chief Marketing Officer at BreakthroughT1D, architects the brand strategy and communication frameworks that drive public awareness. Overseeing the digital engagement and community outreach programs, the Chief Marketing Officer ensures that the organization's mission resonates with diverse audiences. This leadership role involves crafting narratives that highlight the urgency of type 1 diabetes research and the importance of advocacy. By leveraging data-driven campaigns, Pam Morrisroe directly increases donor participation and community involvement. The Chief Marketing Officer manages the messaging that connects the organization with families and stakeholders across North America. Through strategic brand positioning, Morrisroe amplifies the impact of research initiatives and advocacy efforts. This executive position requires a deep understanding of the community's needs, ensuring that all communications provide education and empowerment to those navigating the challenges of this condition.

    Tracy Mido - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Tracy Mido, the Chief Human Resources Officer at BreakthroughT1D, directs the talent acquisition and organizational culture initiatives. Overseeing the development of high-performing teams, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the mission of curing type 1 diabetes. This leadership role involves implementing professional development programs that foster innovation and collaboration across all departments. By cultivating an inclusive environment, Tracy Mido directly enhances the organization's capacity to attract top-tier talent. The Chief Human Resources Officer manages the human capital strategy that supports the operational scale of the organization. Through effective workforce planning, Mido ensures that the team possesses the expertise needed to advance research and advocacy goals. This executive position requires a focus on employee engagement and retention, ensuring that the organization maintains the human resources necessary to achieve its ambitious long-term objectives.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding BreakthroughT1D Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads BreakthroughT1D?
    BreakthroughT1D is led by Aaron Kowalski (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Alan Lewis (President & Chief Executive Officer) and David Mutthumani (Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of BreakthroughT1D’s executive team?
    The executive team of BreakthroughT1D includes leaders such as Aaron Kowalski (Chief Executive Officer), Alan Lewis (President & Chief Executive Officer), David Mutthumani (Chief Financial Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does BreakthroughT1D have?
    BreakthroughT1D has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in BreakthroughT1D’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of BreakthroughT1D includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chapter Board President, President, Chapter (Georgia).