Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 9 executives leading key functions including organizational strategy, financial operations, medical research, and human capital management.

Committed to advancing life-saving research, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation drives global efforts to cure cystic fibrosis while ensuring patients maintain high-quality, productive lives through targeted medical innovation and community support.

Leadership Roles at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer - Irena Barisic
  • Cystic Fibrosis Guild President - Gayle Demsher
  • President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter - Bean Corcoran
  • Jennifer's Journey Founder and President - Jennifer McKinnon
  • President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange) - Susan Hook
  • Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff - Marybeth McMahon
  • Chief of Staff To the COFO - Emilie Grahl
  • Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer - Yvonne Massenburg
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer - Albert Faro
  • 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, manages the financial health and operational infrastructure of the organization. Overseeing capital allocation, Barisic ensures that funding flows directly into high-impact research programs and patient support services. This leadership role involves balancing the budget to maximize the efficacy of every dollar donated to the foundation. By optimizing financial reporting and operational systems, Irena Barisic provides the stability required for long-term scientific investment. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the board to assess risk and identify growth opportunities within the medical research sector. Through disciplined fiscal management, Barisic secures the resources necessary for the foundation to pursue its mission. This executive function supports the expansion of clinical trials and the development of new therapies, ensuring that the organization remains a leader in the fight against cystic fibrosis.
    Irena Barisic

    Gayle Demsher - Cystic Fibrosis Guild President

    Gayle Demsher, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leads community engagement and grassroots fundraising efforts across regional networks. Overseeing the guild's activities, Demsher mobilizes volunteers to support the foundation's mission through local events and awareness campaigns. This leadership role involves fostering strong relationships with donors and advocates who contribute to the overall success of the organization. By organizing community-driven initiatives, Gayle Demsher expands the reach of the foundation and increases public awareness regarding cystic fibrosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Guild President coordinates with national leadership to ensure that local efforts align with the broader strategic goals of the foundation. Through dedicated outreach, Demsher strengthens the support system for families affected by the disease. This position requires exceptional interpersonal skills and a passion for driving community action, ultimately providing the necessary funding to sustain critical research and patient care programs nationwide.

    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, governs regional strategic planning and local stakeholder engagement. Overseeing the chapter's board activities, Corcoran ensures that regional initiatives support the national mission of curing cystic fibrosis. This leadership role involves guiding board members in setting local fundraising targets and community outreach goals. By maintaining strong ties with regional medical partners and donors, Bean Corcoran facilitates the delivery of essential resources to the patient community. The President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter coordinates with national leadership to ensure consistency in messaging and operational standards. Through effective governance, Corcoran drives the success of local programs that provide direct support to families. This position requires a strategic mindset and a commitment to regional growth, ensuring that the foundation's impact remains strong and visible across the state while contributing to the broader national effort.

    Jennifer McKinnon - Jennifer's Journey Founder and President

    Jennifer McKinnon, the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leads specialized advocacy and awareness initiatives focused on patient experiences. Overseeing the development of targeted campaigns, McKinnon ensures that the unique needs of the cystic fibrosis community receive national attention. This leadership role involves building partnerships with healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups to improve quality of life. By sharing personal insights and driving public discourse, Jennifer McKinnon influences the direction of support services and research priorities. The Jennifer's Journey Founder and President collaborates with the foundation to integrate patient-centered perspectives into broader organizational strategies. Through persistent advocacy, McKinnon secures the visibility required to sustain long-term interest in finding a cure. This position requires a deep commitment to the patient community and the ability to translate personal experience into actionable change, ultimately enhancing the foundation's ability to serve those living with cystic fibrosis.

    Susan Hook - President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange)

    Susan Hook, the President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange) at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, manages multi-faceted leadership responsibilities across regional and national levels. Overseeing the nominating process and guild operations, Hook ensures that the organization maintains strong, effective leadership at every tier. This leadership role involves coordinating with national trustees to align regional activities with the foundation's overarching mission. By fostering collaboration within the Southern California chapter, Susan Hook drives local fundraising and awareness efforts that contribute to the national goal of curing cystic fibrosis. The President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange) monitors the performance of regional boards to ensure operational consistency and strategic focus. Through dedicated service, Hook strengthens the foundation's network of supporters and advocates. This position requires exceptional organizational skills and a commitment to building a sustainable future for all patients affected by the disease.
    Susan Hook

    Marybeth McMahon - Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff

    Marybeth McMahon, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, directs internal administrative workflows and cross-departmental alignment. Overseeing the executive office, McMahon ensures that strategic initiatives receive necessary resources to accelerate research breakthroughs. This leadership role involves coordinating complex projects across the Bethesda headquarters to maintain operational excellence. By streamlining communication between the board and senior leadership, Marybeth McMahon facilitates rapid decision-making processes. The Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff monitors organizational performance metrics to guarantee that all departments remain focused on the core mission of curing cystic fibrosis. Through rigorous oversight of internal governance, McMahon supports the broader goal of improving patient outcomes across North American clinical networks. This position requires constant collaboration with other C-suite leaders to refine the long-term vision of the organization while maintaining fiscal responsibility and operational agility in a competitive non-profit landscape.

    Emilie Grahl - Chief of Staff To the COFO

    Emilie Grahl, the Chief of Staff To the COFO at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, manages the daily operational priorities for the financial and administrative leadership team. Overseeing the integration of financial data into strategic planning, Grahl ensures that the Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer receives accurate, actionable insights. This leadership role involves coordinating high-level meetings and tracking progress on key financial milestones. By facilitating communication between the finance department and other functional areas, Emilie Grahl maintains organizational alignment with the mission to cure cystic fibrosis. The Chief of Staff To the COFO monitors project timelines to ensure that resource allocation matches the strategic goals set by the executive team. Through meticulous attention to detail, Grahl supports the efficiency of the entire financial operation. This position requires a deep understanding of the foundation's fiscal structure and a commitment to driving results that directly benefit the patient community.

    Yvonne Massenburg - Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

    Yvonne Massenburg, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, directs human capital strategy and organizational culture development. Overseeing talent acquisition and employee retention, Massenburg ensures that the foundation attracts top-tier professionals dedicated to the mission of curing cystic fibrosis. This leadership role involves designing programs that foster professional growth and maintain high levels of staff engagement. By implementing inclusive workplace policies, Yvonne Massenburg builds a resilient team capable of tackling complex medical and administrative challenges. The Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer collaborates with other executives to align workforce capabilities with the long-term strategic objectives of the organization. Through effective performance management and leadership development, Massenburg cultivates a high-performing environment. This position requires a focus on building a culture of excellence that supports the foundation's commitment to patients, ensuring that every employee contributes meaningfully to the overarching goal of improving lives.
    Yvonne Massenburg

    Albert Faro - Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer

    Albert Faro, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, directs the scientific research agenda and clinical development programs. Overseeing the evaluation of new therapies, Faro ensures that the foundation invests in the most promising medical innovations to treat cystic fibrosis. This leadership role involves collaborating with global research institutions and pharmaceutical partners to accelerate the path from laboratory discovery to patient care. By monitoring clinical trial progress, Albert Faro maintains the highest standards of medical rigor and safety. The Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer provides expert guidance to the board regarding the feasibility and impact of potential research investments. Through strategic oversight of the medical portfolio, Faro drives the development of life-extending treatments. This position requires extensive clinical expertise and a focus on achieving tangible health outcomes, ensuring that the foundation remains at the forefront of medical science in the fight against this disease.
    Albert Faro

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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) 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 Irena Barisic (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer), Gayle Demsher (Cystic Fibrosis Guild President), 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 9 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, President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter, Jennifer's Journey Founder and President, President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange).