Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 8 executives leading key functions including operational strategy, medical research, human capital, and organizational governance.

Committed to eradicating a life-threatening genetic disease, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation drives global research initiatives and patient support programs to ensure individuals with cystic fibrosis lead long, productive lives.

Leadership Roles at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer - Irena Barisic
  • Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Gayle Demsher
  • Jennifer's Journey Founder and President - Jennifer McKinnon
  • President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter - Bean Corcoran
  • Chief of Staff To the COFO - Emilie Grahl
  • Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff - Marybeth McMahon
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer - Albert Faro
  • Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer - Yvonne Massenburg
  • Irena Barisic - Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer

    Irena Barisic, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, governs the financial health and operational infrastructure of the organization. Barisic manages capital allocation to ensure that research funding reaches critical clinical programs without delay. As the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer, Irena Barisic oversees fiscal planning, risk management, and the optimization of internal business systems. This role involves balancing the immediate needs of patient support services with the long-term requirements of drug discovery investments. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer secures the resources necessary for sustained innovation. Barisic leads efforts to maximize operational efficiency across all departments, ensuring that every dollar supports the mission. Through strategic financial stewardship, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer enables the organization to pursue aggressive research goals.
    Irena Barisic

    Gayle Demsher - Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

    Gayle Demsher, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, mobilizes community support and volunteer networks to drive fundraising efforts. Demsher coordinates regional guild activities to increase awareness and financial contributions for research initiatives. As the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Gayle Demsher fosters engagement among donors and advocates who support the mission. This role involves managing grassroots campaigns that provide essential funding for patient programs and scientific discovery. By building strong relationships with community leaders, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation expands the reach of the organization's advocacy work. Demsher oversees the implementation of local events that generate both revenue and public interest. Through dedicated leadership of the guild network, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation strengthens the foundation's ability to provide resources for those living with cystic fibrosis.

    Jennifer McKinnon - Jennifer's Journey Founder and President

    Jennifer McKinnon, the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, spearheads specialized fundraising and awareness initiatives. McKinnon directs the development of community-based programs that provide direct support to families affected by cystic fibrosis. As the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President, Jennifer McKinnon cultivates partnerships with local organizations to enhance the impact of patient-focused services. This role involves managing outreach efforts that connect individuals with necessary resources and educational materials. By leveraging personal advocacy, the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President drives significant contributions toward research and care improvements. McKinnon monitors the effectiveness of community programs to ensure they meet the evolving needs of the CF population. Through persistent dedication to the cause, the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President amplifies the foundation's mission, ensuring that families receive the support required to navigate the challenges of living with this genetic condition.

    Bean Corcoran - President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter

    Bean Corcoran, the President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides governance and strategic oversight for regional operations. Corcoran leads the board in setting local priorities that align with the national mission of curing cystic fibrosis. As the President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter, Bean Corcoran facilitates communication between regional stakeholders and the national leadership team. This role involves managing board activities, including fundraising oversight and community outreach strategies. By ensuring that the chapter operates with transparency and efficiency, the President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter maximizes the impact of local contributions. Corcoran evaluates regional performance to identify opportunities for growth and increased engagement. Through disciplined leadership of the board, the President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter ensures that the foundation's objectives are effectively executed at the local level, directly benefiting the patient community.

    Emilie Grahl - Chief of Staff To the COFO

    Emilie Grahl, the Chief of Staff To the COFO at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, manages high-level administrative workflows and coordinates cross-departmental priorities. Grahl facilitates communication between the executive office and internal teams to ensure alignment with the mission of curing cystic fibrosis. By streamlining operational processes, the Chief of Staff To the COFO optimizes resource allocation across the organization. Emilie Grahl monitors key performance indicators to track progress toward long-term research and patient care goals. This role requires constant collaboration with senior leadership to refine organizational strategy and improve efficiency. Through rigorous oversight of daily operations, the Chief of Staff To the COFO supports the broader objective of enhancing the quality of life for the CF community. Grahl maintains focus on operational excellence to sustain the momentum of critical medical advancements.

    Marybeth McMahon - Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff

    Marybeth McMahon, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, directs strategic planning and organizational integration. McMahon oversees the execution of enterprise-wide initiatives designed to accelerate drug development and patient advocacy. As the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff, Marybeth McMahon bridges the gap between executive vision and departmental implementation. This position involves managing complex projects that span North American research networks and clinical trial sites. By fostering collaboration among diverse teams, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff ensures that organizational resources target the most promising therapeutic pathways. McMahon evaluates operational effectiveness to maintain high standards of accountability and transparency. Through disciplined management of internal processes, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff drives the mission forward, ensuring that every effort contributes directly to the goal of finding a cure for cystic fibrosis.

    Albert Faro - Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

    Albert Faro, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leads the clinical strategy and medical research agenda. Faro directs the development of therapeutic pipelines and oversees partnerships with pharmaceutical entities to advance treatment options. As the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer, Albert Faro evaluates clinical trial data to determine the efficacy of new interventions for cystic fibrosis. This role involves coordinating with medical experts and research institutions to establish best practices for patient care. By guiding the scientific direction of the organization, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer ensures that research efforts remain focused on high-impact outcomes. Faro monitors emerging medical trends to adapt the foundation's strategy to the evolving needs of the patient population. Through expert leadership of the medical division, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer accelerates the path toward effective, long-term solutions for the CF community.
    Albert Faro

    Yvonne Massenburg - Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

    Yvonne Massenburg, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, manages human capital strategy and organizational culture. Massenburg oversees talent acquisition, professional development, and employee engagement programs to ensure the foundation attracts top-tier experts. As the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer, Yvonne Massenburg aligns workforce capabilities with the strategic goals of the organization. This role involves designing performance management systems that foster innovation and accountability across all departments. By cultivating an inclusive and high-performing environment, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer supports the staff in their mission to cure cystic fibrosis. Massenburg monitors organizational health and implements policies that promote retention and leadership growth. Through effective management of human resources, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer ensures that the foundation maintains the talent necessary to drive complex medical and operational initiatives forward.
    Yvonne Massenburg

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Cystic Fibrosis Foundation?
    Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is led by Irena Barisic (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Gayle Demsher (Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation) and Jennifer McKinnon (Jennifer's Journey Founder and President).
    Who is part of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation includes leaders such as Irena Barisic (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer), Gayle Demsher (Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation), Jennifer McKinnon (Jennifer's Journey Founder and President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have?
    Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 8 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation includes roles such as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer, Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Jennifer's Journey Founder and President, President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter, Chief of Staff To the COFO.