Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

November, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 7 executives leading key functions including operational strategy, financial management, medical research, organizational culture, and community advocacy.

Committed to curing a life-altering genetic disease, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation drives global research initiatives and patient support programs to ensure individuals with cystic fibrosis lead long, productive lives through innovative medical breakthroughs and dedicated advocacy.

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
  • President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter - Bean Corcoran
  • Jennifer's Journey Founder and President - Jennifer McKinnon
  • Chief of Staff To the COFO - Emilie Grahl
  • 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, directs the financial health and operational efficiency of the organization. Overseeing fiscal planning, Barisic ensures that capital flows effectively toward life-saving research and clinical development programs. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer manages the budgetary framework necessary to sustain long-term medical innovation. By analyzing market trends and non-profit revenue streams, Irena Barisic secures the resources required to expand the foundation's reach across North American clinical networks. This leadership position involves rigorous oversight of financial reporting and operational risk management, maintaining the integrity of the foundation's mission. Through strategic investment in research infrastructure, Barisic accelerates the path toward a cure. Ultimately, the Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer provides the stability needed to transform scientific potential into tangible patient outcomes.
    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 engagement across regional networks. Coordinating grassroots fundraising efforts, Demsher fosters a culture of advocacy that sustains the foundation's mission. The Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation directs local chapters to increase awareness and secure essential funding for research initiatives. By building strong relationships with donors and community leaders, Gayle Demsher expands the reach of the foundation's programs. This leadership role involves organizing large-scale events and managing volunteer committees to ensure consistent support for patients and families. Through strategic community outreach, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation strengthens the connection between the public and the scientific goals of the organization. Demsher ensures that local efforts align with national objectives, creating a unified front in the fight against cystic fibrosis and enhancing the overall impact of the foundation's charitable activities.

    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 operations and strategic planning for the Connecticut area. Overseeing local board activities, Corcoran ensures that chapter initiatives align with the national mission of curing cystic fibrosis. The President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter manages stakeholder relationships and drives local fundraising campaigns to support clinical research and patient services. By fostering collaboration among board members, Bean Corcoran optimizes the chapter's ability to engage the community and secure necessary resources. This leadership role involves setting clear objectives for regional growth and monitoring the effectiveness of local outreach programs. Through dedicated governance and strategic oversight, the President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter strengthens the foundation's presence in the region. Corcoran ensures that the chapter remains a vital contributor to the broader organizational goal of improving the lives of 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, leads specialized advocacy and patient-focused initiatives. Directing the efforts of this specific mission-driven group, McKinnon creates targeted programs that address the unique needs of the cystic fibrosis community. The Jennifer's Journey Founder and President manages outreach campaigns that raise awareness and provide direct support to families navigating the challenges of the disease. By collaborating with the broader foundation, Jennifer McKinnon ensures that these grassroots efforts contribute to the overall success of national research and care objectives. This leadership role involves building partnerships with healthcare providers and patient advocacy groups to enhance the quality of life for those affected by cystic fibrosis. Through persistent dedication and community-centered leadership, the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President drives meaningful change. McKinnon maintains a focus on patient empowerment, ensuring that the voices of the community remain central to the foundation's strategic direction.

    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 cross-departmental communication. Coordinating directly with the Chief Operating and Financial Officer, Grahl optimizes internal resource allocation to support the mission of curing cystic fibrosis. This role involves streamlining executive decision-making processes and ensuring alignment across the Bethesda-based headquarters. By facilitating strategic planning sessions, Grahl enables the leadership team to focus on critical research and patient care objectives. Emilie Grahl maintains oversight of complex operational projects, ensuring that every initiative adheres to the rigorous standards required for non-profit excellence. Through meticulous project management and stakeholder engagement, the Chief of Staff To the COFO strengthens the organizational infrastructure, allowing the foundation to maximize the impact of every dollar raised for medical advancements and patient support services across the United States.

    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 scientific strategy and clinical research agenda. Directing the development of new therapies, Faro oversees the translation of laboratory discoveries into clinical practice for patients nationwide. The Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer collaborates with global research partners to identify breakthrough treatments for cystic fibrosis. By managing clinical trial protocols and medical advisory boards, Albert Faro ensures that the foundation remains at the forefront of medical innovation. This role involves evaluating the efficacy of emerging drugs and guiding the organization's investment in high-potential research projects. Through constant engagement with the medical community, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer drives the mission to improve patient longevity and quality of life. Faro maintains a focus on rigorous scientific standards, ensuring that every medical initiative directly benefits the cystic fibrosis community.
    Albert Faro

    Yvonne Massenburg - Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer

    Yvonne Massenburg, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, architects the organizational culture and talent management strategy. Directing human resources initiatives, Massenburg ensures that the foundation attracts and retains top-tier professionals dedicated to the mission of curing cystic fibrosis. The Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer oversees professional development, diversity, and inclusion programs that empower the workforce to achieve ambitious research and operational goals. By implementing performance management systems, Yvonne Massenburg aligns individual contributions with the foundation's long-term strategic vision. This leadership role involves fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration across all departments. Through effective talent acquisition and employee engagement strategies, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer builds a resilient team capable of tackling complex medical and administrative challenges. Massenburg ensures that the organization's human capital remains the primary driver of success in the ongoing effort to improve patient outcomes.
    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 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 At Cystic Fibrosis Foundation), 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 7 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, President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter, Jennifer's Journey Founder and President, Chief of Staff To the COFO.