Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, technology, impact, legal, and regional governance.

Committed to advancing medical research and patient support, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation drives global efforts to discover cures for inflammatory bowel diseases while enhancing the daily lives of affected individuals.

Leadership Roles at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Osso
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sharon Lungrin
  • President - Nikki Pavone-Liberto
  • Northwest Chapter Board President - Chris Adams
  • Immediate President - Ilise Cohen
  • Chapter President Emeritus - Julie Rommel
  • President of the Board of Trustees - Jersey Chapter - Mark Bovenizer
  • Chief Technology Officer - Rohit Suri
  • Chief of Staff and Impact - Orna Ehrlich
  • Chief Legal Officer - Marisa Mayer
  • Michael Osso - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Osso, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Osso manages the alignment of research initiatives with patient advocacy goals to accelerate the discovery of cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. By overseeing national fundraising campaigns and donor relations, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the financial sustainability required for large-scale clinical trials. Michael Osso maintains constant communication with the Board of Trustees to refine organizational priorities and expand the reach of support programs across North America. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and fostering partnerships with pharmaceutical entities to advance therapeutic development. Through rigorous oversight of internal departments, the President & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that every resource directly benefits the patient community. Ultimately, Osso secures the long-term viability of the mission through disciplined fiscal management and visionary leadership.
    Michael Osso

    Sharon Lungrin - Chief Operating Officer

    Sharon Lungrin, the Chief Operating Officer at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, executes the daily operational workflows that sustain the non-profit infrastructure. Lungrin optimizes internal processes to ensure that volunteer-fueled programs function with maximum efficiency across all regional chapters. By managing cross-departmental collaboration, the Chief Operating Officer aligns administrative output with the broader mission of improving patient quality of life. Sharon Lungrin monitors key performance indicators to track the success of national outreach efforts and resource allocation. This role requires constant coordination with executive leadership to streamline project delivery and maintain organizational agility in a competitive charitable landscape. Through the implementation of scalable management systems, the Chief Operating Officer supports the expansion of support services for children and adults. Lungrin drives operational excellence by refining the logistical frameworks that underpin every research grant and educational initiative within the organization.

    Nikki Pavone-Liberto - President

    Nikki Pavone-Liberto, the President at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, leads specific regional initiatives focused on community engagement and local fundraising. Pavone-Liberto manages the cultivation of donor relationships to support the national mission of finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases. By overseeing the execution of local awareness campaigns, the President ensures that patient support services reach diverse populations across the region. Nikki Pavone-Liberto collaborates with volunteer leaders to mobilize resources and increase public understanding of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. This role involves representing the foundation at public events and fostering partnerships with local healthcare providers to improve patient care. Through the strategic management of regional outreach, the President drives the growth of the volunteer network. Pavone-Liberto ensures that local efforts remain tightly integrated with the broader organizational strategy to maximize the impact on the lives of children and adults.

    Chris Adams - Northwest Chapter Board President

    Chris Adams, the Northwest Chapter Board President at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, directs the governance and strategic direction of the regional chapter. Adams manages the local Board of Trustees to ensure alignment with the national mission of discovering cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. By overseeing the recruitment and retention of volunteers, the Northwest Chapter Board President builds a sustainable support network for patients in the region. Chris Adams facilitates the execution of local fundraising events that contribute to the national research budget. This leadership role involves engaging with community stakeholders to raise awareness and improve the quality of life for those affected by these diseases. Through the effective management of chapter resources, the Northwest Chapter Board President drives regional participation in national initiatives. Adams ensures that the chapter remains a vital contributor to the overall success of the foundation.

    Ilise Cohen - Immediate President

    Ilise Cohen, the Immediate President at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, provides continuity and strategic guidance to the leadership team. Cohen manages the transition of governance responsibilities to ensure that long-term research and patient support goals remain uninterrupted. By overseeing the mentorship of incoming board members, the Immediate President preserves the institutional knowledge necessary for the foundation to thrive. Ilise Cohen collaborates with executive leadership to evaluate the success of past initiatives and refine future strategies for finding cures. This role involves maintaining relationships with key stakeholders and donors to ensure ongoing support for the mission. Through the provision of historical context and strategic advice, the Immediate President supports the stability of the organization. Cohen drives organizational consistency by bridging the gap between past achievements and future objectives, ensuring that the focus on improving patient lives remains the primary priority.

    Julie Rommel - Chapter President Emeritus

    Julie Rommel, the Chapter President Emeritus at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, serves as a senior advisor to the regional leadership team. Rommel manages the preservation of the chapter's legacy while providing guidance on community outreach and donor stewardship. By overseeing the cultivation of long-term relationships with local supporters, the Chapter President Emeritus ensures the continued viability of regional programs. Julie Rommel collaborates with current board members to share insights on effective patient advocacy and fundraising strategies. This role involves acting as an ambassador for the foundation to increase public awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Through the application of extensive experience, the Chapter President Emeritus supports the development of new initiatives that align with the national mission. Rommel drives the sustained success of the chapter by fostering a culture of commitment and excellence among volunteers and staff members alike.

    Mark Bovenizer - President of the Board of Trustees - Jersey Chapter

    Mark Bovenizer, the President of the Board of Trustees - Jersey Chapter at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, directs the governance and strategic oversight of the regional chapter. Bovenizer manages the board's activities to ensure that local fundraising and patient support efforts align with the national mission of finding cures. By overseeing the allocation of chapter resources, the President of the Board of Trustees - Jersey Chapter ensures that local initiatives effectively serve the needs of the community. Mark Bovenizer collaborates with regional volunteers to expand the reach of educational programs and awareness campaigns. This leadership role involves engaging with local healthcare systems to improve the quality of life for patients in the area. Through the disciplined management of board operations, the President of the Board of Trustees - Jersey Chapter drives the growth of the chapter's impact. Bovenizer ensures that the foundation's goals are met through active community participation.
    Mark Bovenizer

    Rohit Suri - Chief Technology Officer

    Rohit Suri, the Chief Technology Officer at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support modern medical research and patient engagement. Suri manages the integration of data analytics platforms that track disease progression and treatment outcomes for the patient community. By overseeing the cybersecurity posture and digital transformation initiatives, the Chief Technology Officer ensures the integrity of sensitive health information. Rohit Suri collaborates with research teams to deploy advanced software solutions that facilitate clinical data collection and analysis. This leadership role involves modernizing the technological stack to improve donor experiences and streamline internal communication across the national network. Through the strategic application of emerging technologies, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the accessibility of educational resources for patients and families. Suri drives innovation by aligning digital capabilities with the long-term goal of finding cures for inflammatory bowel diseases.

    Orna Ehrlich - Chief of Staff and Impact

    Orna Ehrlich, the Chief of Staff and Impact at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, coordinates the strategic alignment of organizational goals with measurable social outcomes. Ehrlich manages the evaluation of impact metrics to ensure that every program effectively serves the needs of children and adults affected by Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. By overseeing the synthesis of research findings and patient feedback, the Chief of Staff and Impact provides actionable insights to the executive team. Orna Ehrlich facilitates high-level decision-making processes by managing the flow of information between departments and the Board of Trustees. This role involves designing frameworks that quantify the success of advocacy efforts and community support initiatives. Through rigorous analysis of program efficacy, the Chief of Staff and Impact drives continuous improvement across the organization. Ehrlich ensures that all strategic initiatives remain focused on the core mission of finding cures and improving patient lives.
    Marisa Mayer, the Chief Legal Officer at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, directs all legal strategy and regulatory compliance efforts for the organization. Mayer manages the complex contractual landscape surrounding medical research partnerships and intellectual property rights related to potential cures. By overseeing governance policies, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all operations adhere to non-profit standards and federal regulations. Marisa Mayer provides critical counsel to the Board of Trustees regarding risk management and liability protection for national initiatives. This leadership role involves negotiating agreements with clinical research institutions and pharmaceutical partners to advance therapeutic development. Through the diligent protection of organizational assets, the Chief Legal Officer supports the stability of the foundation. Mayer drives legal excellence by establishing robust compliance protocols that safeguard the reputation and mission of the organization while facilitating collaborative research efforts across the country.

    Explore Leadership Teams in Non-Profit & Charitable Organizations

    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Crohn's & Colitis Foundation?
    Crohn's & Colitis Foundation is led by Michael Osso (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Sharon Lungrin (Chief Operating Officer) and Nikki Pavone-Liberto (President).
    Who is part of Crohn's & Colitis Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Crohn's & Colitis Foundation includes leaders such as Michael Osso (President & Chief Executive Officer), Sharon Lungrin (Chief Operating Officer), Nikki Pavone-Liberto (President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Crohn's & Colitis Foundation have?
    Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Crohn's & Colitis Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Crohn's & Colitis Foundation includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, Northwest Chapter Board President, Immediate President.