Crohn's & Colitis Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Crohn's & Colitis Foundation has 10 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, technological infrastructure, operational efficiency, legal compliance, and regional chapter management.

Committed to accelerating research for cures, Crohn's & Colitis Foundation advances the quality of life for patients through rigorous scientific investment and comprehensive support networks across the United States.

Leadership Roles at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Michael Osso
  • Chief Operating Officer - Sharon Lungrin
  • Chapter President Emeritus - Julie Rommel
  • Immediate President - Ilise Cohen
  • Board Member and Board President (Volunteer Position) - Jeffrey Ward
  • Texas Board Member (North) & President, Oklahoma Chapter - David Cecere
  • President - Nikki Pavone-Liberto
  • 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 this non-profit organization. By aligning research initiatives with patient support programs, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures the foundation maintains a clear path toward finding cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Michael Osso manages high-level relationships with medical researchers, donors, and volunteer networks to maximize the impact of charitable contributions. This leadership role involves overseeing the national expansion of awareness campaigns and ensuring fiscal responsibility across all departments. By fostering collaboration between the scientific community and the patient population, the President & Chief Executive Officer drives the mission forward. Osso maintains a focus on long-term sustainability, ensuring the organization remains a primary resource for those affected by these chronic conditions while scaling operations to meet growing national demand for patient advocacy and clinical research funding.
    Michael Osso

    Sharon Lungrin - Chief Operating Officer

    Sharon Lungrin, the Chief Operating Officer at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, manages the daily internal functions and administrative workflows that sustain the organization's mission. By optimizing resource allocation across regional chapters, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that volunteer-fueled initiatives receive the necessary support to thrive. Sharon Lungrin coordinates cross-departmental projects to streamline the delivery of patient education materials and support services. This leadership position involves monitoring operational performance metrics to identify areas for process improvement and cost-efficiency. By maintaining rigorous standards for organizational governance, the Chief Operating Officer supports the foundation's ability to scale its impact on a national level. Lungrin works closely with the executive team to translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans. Through the oversight of internal systems, the Chief Operating Officer guarantees that the foundation remains agile and responsive to the evolving needs of the patient community while maintaining high levels of transparency and accountability.

    Julie Rommel - Chapter President Emeritus

    Julie Rommel, the Chapter President Emeritus at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, provides historical context and strategic guidance to regional leadership teams. By leveraging extensive experience in chapter management, the Chapter President Emeritus supports the development of local fundraising strategies that fuel national research efforts. Julie Rommel mentors current chapter leaders to ensure consistency in the delivery of patient support services across various regions. This role involves fostering long-term relationships with key donors and community stakeholders to maintain a stable base of support for the foundation's mission. By sharing institutional knowledge, the Chapter President Emeritus helps the organization navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities for growth. Rommel remains a vital link between the foundation's legacy and its future initiatives. Through this advisory capacity, the Chapter President Emeritus strengthens the foundation's grassroots presence, ensuring that local efforts remain aligned with the overarching goal of finding cures for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

    Ilise Cohen - Immediate President

    Ilise Cohen, the Immediate President at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, facilitates the transition of leadership and maintains continuity in the organization's strategic direction. By providing counsel to the current board and executive team, the Immediate President ensures that ongoing initiatives remain focused on the foundation's core mission. Ilise Cohen supports the development of new advocacy programs by drawing on insights gained during previous leadership terms. This role involves representing the foundation at national events and engaging with key stakeholders to promote awareness of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the Immediate President helps maintain the momentum of fundraising and research efforts. Cohen works to ensure that the foundation's long-term goals are consistently pursued across all levels of the organization. Through this dedicated service, the Immediate President contributes to the stability and sustained growth of the foundation's efforts to improve the lives of patients nationwide.

    Jeffrey Ward - Board Member and Board President (Volunteer Position)

    Jeffrey Ward, the Board Member and Board President (Volunteer Position) at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, leads the governing body in setting the strategic agenda for the organization. By overseeing the fiduciary responsibilities of the board, the Board Member and Board President (Volunteer Position) ensures that all resources are directed toward the most impactful research and patient support programs. Jeffrey Ward facilitates high-level decision-making processes to align the foundation's activities with its mission of finding cures. This role involves engaging with major donors and corporate partners to secure the funding necessary for clinical advancements. By providing oversight and guidance to the executive team, the Board Member and Board President (Volunteer Position) maintains the integrity and transparency of the foundation's operations. Ward works to ensure that the board remains focused on long-term sustainability and growth. Through this volunteer leadership, the Board Member and Board President (Volunteer Position) drives the foundation's commitment to improving the quality of life for all affected individuals.

    David Cecere - Texas Board Member (North) & President, Oklahoma Chapter

    David Cecere, the Texas Board Member (North) & President, Oklahoma Chapter at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, directs regional efforts to increase awareness and fundraising in the central United States. By managing local volunteer networks, the Texas Board Member (North) & President, Oklahoma Chapter ensures that patient support services are accessible and effective within these specific communities. David Cecere coordinates regional events that connect patients with medical experts and resources, fostering a strong sense of community. This role involves identifying local opportunities for partnership with healthcare providers to expand the foundation's reach. By translating national strategies into local action, the Texas Board Member (North) & President, Oklahoma Chapter drives engagement and support for research initiatives. Cecere monitors the performance of regional chapters to ensure that goals are met and resources are utilized efficiently. Through this dual leadership role, the Texas Board Member (North) & President, Oklahoma Chapter strengthens the foundation's impact across the region.

    Nikki Pavone-Liberto - President

    Nikki Pavone-Liberto, the President at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, leads specific organizational divisions focused on expanding the foundation's reach and influence. By spearheading initiatives to increase public awareness, the President ensures that the needs of patients remain at the forefront of the national conversation. Nikki Pavone-Liberto coordinates with other leaders to align regional activities with the foundation's overarching mission of finding cures. This role involves cultivating relationships with community leaders and medical professionals to build a robust support network for those affected by digestive diseases. By driving fundraising efforts, the President secures the necessary capital to support innovative research projects. Pavone-Liberto monitors the effectiveness of outreach programs to ensure they provide tangible benefits to the patient community. Through this leadership, the President contributes to the foundation's ability to provide comprehensive care and support, ensuring that the organization remains a vital resource for patients and their families across the country.

    Rohit Suri - Chief Technology Officer

    Rohit Suri, the Chief Technology Officer at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, architects the digital infrastructure necessary to support large-scale patient data management and research collaboration. By implementing secure platforms for clinical trial tracking, the Chief Technology Officer enables seamless communication between medical professionals and the foundation. Rohit Suri oversees the integration of advanced analytics to identify trends in disease prevalence, which informs the strategic allocation of research grants. This role requires constant innovation to maintain robust cybersecurity measures protecting sensitive patient information across all digital channels. By modernizing the technological framework, the Chief Technology Officer enhances the efficiency of fundraising platforms and volunteer management systems. Suri ensures that all digital tools align with the broader mission of improving patient outcomes. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, the Chief Technology Officer supports the foundation's national reach, facilitating better connectivity for patients and researchers throughout the United States.

    Orna Ehrlich - Chief of Staff and Impact

    Orna Ehrlich, the Chief of Staff and Impact at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, synchronizes executive priorities with the organization's core mission of improving patient quality of life. By evaluating the efficacy of various support programs, the Chief of Staff and Impact ensures that every initiative delivers measurable results for children and adults affected by digestive diseases. Orna Ehrlich facilitates communication between the board and senior leadership to maintain alignment on long-term strategic objectives. This role involves analyzing the impact of research investments and community outreach efforts to refine the foundation's approach to advocacy. By managing high-priority projects, the Chief of Staff and Impact drives organizational focus toward the most critical areas of need. Ehrlich monitors the progress of key performance indicators to ensure that the foundation achieves its goals efficiently. Through this strategic oversight, the Chief of Staff and Impact strengthens the connection between the foundation's internal operations and the tangible benefits provided to the patient population.
    Marisa Mayer, the Chief Legal Officer at Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, manages all regulatory compliance and legal risk mitigation for the organization. By overseeing the legal framework for research partnerships and grant agreements, the Chief Legal Officer ensures that all collaborations adhere to strict non-profit standards and ethical guidelines. Marisa Mayer provides counsel on intellectual property matters related to medical research and clinical trials, protecting the foundation's interests in the pursuit of cures. This role involves navigating complex healthcare regulations to ensure that patient support programs remain compliant with national laws. By drafting and reviewing contracts with vendors and partners, the Chief Legal Officer safeguards the organization's assets and reputation. Mayer works to resolve legal challenges that could impede the foundation's mission. Through proactive legal strategy, the Chief Legal Officer enables the organization to operate securely while expanding its reach and influence within the medical and charitable sectors.

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    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 Julie Rommel (Chapter President Emeritus).
    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), Julie Rommel (Chapter President Emeritus) 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, Chapter President Emeritus, Immediate President, Board Member and Board President (Volunteer Position).