Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 10 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, and medical affairs.

Driven by a commitment to eradicating cystic fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation focuses on accelerating research and improving patient care, aiming to ensure individuals with CF live longer, more productive lives.

Leadership Roles at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

  • Chief Financial Officer - Todd Ford
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer - Irena Barisic
  • President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter - Bean Corcoran
  • Cystic Fibrosis Guild President - Gayle Demsher
  • Jennifer's Journey Founder and President - Jennifer McKinnon
  • Co-President & Board of Directors - Barbara Caswell
  • 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
  • Director, Clinical Affairs Operations and Advisor To the Chief Medical Officer - Rebecca Berry
  • Todd Ford - Chief Financial Officer

    Todd Ford, the Chief Financial Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, directs all financial operations and fiscal strategy. Ford oversees budgeting, financial planning, and resource allocation, ensuring robust financial health to support the foundation's mission. This leadership role involves managing investments and optimizing financial performance to maximize impact on research and patient support initiatives. Ford's oversight extends to financial reporting and compliance, maintaining transparency and accountability across all fiscal activities. The Chief Financial Officer's strategic financial management directly enables the foundation's pursuit of cures and improved lives for those with cystic fibrosis. Todd Ford ensures financial resources are effectively deployed to drive critical research breakthroughs and enhance patient care programs.

    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, directs both operational execution and financial stewardship. Barisic oversees the foundation's day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in program delivery, while also managing all financial aspects, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation. This dual leadership role is critical for aligning operational capacity with financial sustainability to advance the mission of curing cystic fibrosis. Irena Barisic's strategic oversight ensures that resources are optimally utilized to support groundbreaking research and comprehensive patient care programs. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer's comprehensive management drives the foundation's progress toward its long-term goals.
    Irena Barisic

    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 leadership and strategic direction for the Connecticut chapter's board. Corcoran guides the chapter's efforts in fundraising, advocacy, and community engagement to support the foundation's national mission. This role involves fostering collaboration among board members and ensuring effective governance. The President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter's commitment is vital for advancing local initiatives that contribute to the broader goal of curing cystic fibrosis. Bean Corcoran's leadership strengthens the foundation's presence and impact within the Connecticut region, driving progress in research and patient support.

    Gayle Demsher - Cystic Fibrosis Guild President

    Gayle Demsher, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leads the organization's guild activities and volunteer efforts. Demsher mobilizes community support and drives fundraising initiatives through guild events and programs. This leadership position is crucial for engaging volunteers and expanding the foundation's reach. The Cystic Fibrosis Guild President's dedication enhances the foundation's capacity to support research and improve patient care. Gayle Demsher's efforts galvanize community involvement, directly contributing to the foundation's mission of finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and ensuring productive lives for those affected.

    Jennifer McKinnon - Jennifer's Journey Founder and President

    Jennifer McKinnon, the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leads initiatives focused on patient advocacy and support. McKinnon drives programs that raise awareness and provide resources for individuals and families affected by cystic fibrosis. This role involves championing the foundation's mission through personal commitment and community engagement. The Jennifer's Journey Founder and President's vision is instrumental in fostering a supportive environment for the CF community. Jennifer McKinnon's leadership amplifies the foundation's efforts to find a cure and ensure productive lives for those living with CF, inspiring continued progress.

    Barbara Caswell - Co-President & Board of Directors

    Barbara Caswell, the Co-President & Board of Directors at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides strategic oversight and governance for the organization. Caswell collaborates with fellow board members to guide the foundation's direction, ensuring alignment with its mission to cure cystic fibrosis. This leadership role involves contributing to key decisions that impact research funding and patient support initiatives. The Co-President & Board of Directors' dedication is vital for maintaining the foundation's commitment to advancing medical breakthroughs. Barbara Caswell's governance ensures the foundation operates effectively and efficiently toward its ultimate goal of improving lives for individuals with CF.
    Barbara Caswell

    Emilie Grahl - Chief of Staff To the COFO

    Emilie Grahl, the Chief of Staff To the COFO at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides strategic support and operational coordination for the Chief Financial Officer. Grahl manages key initiatives, facilitates communication across departments, and drives project execution to ensure alignment with financial objectives. This role involves streamlining processes and enhancing operational efficiency within the finance division. Grahl's responsibilities include preparing reports, coordinating meetings, and implementing strategic plans developed by the COFO. The Chief of Staff To the COFO plays a crucial part in translating financial strategy into actionable operational plans. Emilie Grahl supports the effective management of financial resources, contributing to the foundation's overarching goal of curing cystic fibrosis and improving patient outcomes.

    Marybeth McMahon - Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff

    Marybeth McMahon, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides executive leadership and strategic operational guidance. McMahon oversees critical initiatives, drives cross-functional collaboration, and ensures the effective execution of organizational priorities. This position involves managing complex projects and facilitating communication between leadership and various departments. The Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff's role is vital in translating the foundation's mission into tangible operational achievements. Marybeth McMahon's leadership ensures that strategic plans are implemented efficiently, supporting the foundation's commitment to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and enhancing the lives of those affected. McMahon's efforts directly contribute to advancing research and patient care.

    Albert Faro - Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

    Albert Faro, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leads all medical and scientific initiatives. Faro directs the strategy for research funding, clinical trial oversight, and the development of new therapies aimed at curing cystic fibrosis. This critical role involves guiding scientific discovery and ensuring the highest standards of medical care for individuals with CF. The Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer's expertise is essential in translating scientific advancements into tangible patient benefits. Albert Faro's leadership ensures that the foundation's medical strategy remains at the forefront of innovation, driving progress toward longer, healthier lives for the CF community. Faro's guidance shapes the future of CF treatment and research.
    Albert Faro

    Rebecca Berry - Director, Clinical Affairs Operations and Advisor To the Chief Medical Officer

    Rebecca Berry, the Director, Clinical Affairs Operations and Advisor To the Chief Medical Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, oversees the operational execution of clinical affairs. Berry ensures the efficient management of clinical trials and research programs, providing critical operational support to the Chief Medical Officer. This role involves coordinating resources and streamlining processes to advance medical research. The Director, Clinical Affairs Operations and Advisor To the Chief Medical Officer's focus is on enhancing the effectiveness of clinical studies. Rebecca Berry's operational expertise directly supports the foundation's pursuit of innovative treatments and cures for cystic fibrosis, contributing to improved patient outcomes.

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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 Todd Ford (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Irena Barisic (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer) and Bean Corcoran (President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter).
    Who is part of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation includes leaders such as Todd Ford (Chief Financial Officer), Irena Barisic (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer), Bean Corcoran (President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Cystic Fibrosis Foundation have?
    Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 10 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 Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer, President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter, Cystic Fibrosis Guild President, Jennifer's Journey Founder and President.