Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 10 executives leading key functions including financial operations, medical research, clinical affairs, and organizational development.

Committed to advancing life-saving research, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation drives global efforts to cure cystic fibrosis while ensuring patients maintain high quality of life through innovative therapeutic development and comprehensive support systems.

Leadership Roles at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer - Irena Barisic
  • 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
  • Cystic Fibrosis Guild President - Gayle Demsher
  • 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
  • Director, Clinical Affairs Operations and Advisor To the Chief Medical Officer - Rebecca Berry
  • 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 fiscal health and operational infrastructure of the organization. Overseeing resource allocation, Barisic ensures that funding directly supports the mission to cure cystic fibrosis. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer directs internal administrative processes, optimizing efficiency across all departments to maximize the impact of charitable contributions. By aligning financial strategies with long-term research goals, Barisic maintains the stability required for sustained medical breakthroughs. This leadership role involves rigorous oversight of budgetary compliance and operational scaling to support national initiatives. Through precise financial planning, Irena Barisic secures the necessary capital to advance clinical programs. Ultimately, Barisic strengthens the organizational foundation, allowing the non-profit to focus resources on life-extending treatments for patients across the United States.
    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, oversees regional governance and community engagement efforts. Managing local fundraising and awareness campaigns, Corcoran ensures that the chapter contributes effectively to the national mission of curing cystic fibrosis. The President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter directs volunteer activities and fosters partnerships with local stakeholders to expand the reach of the foundation. By mobilizing community support, Corcoran drives the success of regional initiatives that fund critical research. This leadership role involves maintaining strong ties with donors and patient families to ensure that local efforts align with the broader organizational strategy. Bean Corcoran facilitates board meetings and strategic planning sessions to enhance the impact of the chapter. Through dedicated regional leadership, Corcoran strengthens the foundation's presence, ensuring that local resources consistently support the national goal of improving patient outcomes and long-term health.

    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 fundraising initiatives focused on patient support. Overseeing the development of community-driven programs, McKinnon ensures that the foundation addresses the unique needs of those living with cystic fibrosis. The Jennifer's Journey Founder and President directs outreach efforts that raise awareness and mobilize resources for research. By building networks of support, McKinnon fosters a sense of community among patients and families. This leadership role involves coordinating with national leadership to ensure that grassroots efforts align with the foundation's strategic objectives. Jennifer McKinnon maintains a focus on patient-centered advocacy, driving initiatives that improve the quality of life for the CF community. Through persistent dedication, McKinnon secures vital funding and public support. Ultimately, the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President empowers individuals to contribute to the mission, ensuring that the fight against the disease remains a collective, nationwide effort.

    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 nomination process and guild operations, Hook ensures that the foundation maintains strong, effective leadership. The President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange) directs fundraising and community engagement in the Southern California region, driving significant support for research initiatives. By coordinating between local chapters and the national board, Hook facilitates seamless communication and strategic alignment. This leadership role involves identifying and cultivating talent to sustain the foundation's growth. Susan Hook maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all guild activities contribute to the overarching mission of curing cystic fibrosis. Through extensive regional and national involvement, Hook strengthens the foundation's impact, ensuring that resources are effectively mobilized to support life-extending medical research and patient care programs.
    Susan Hook

    Gayle Demsher - Cystic Fibrosis Guild President

    Gayle Demsher, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leads volunteer-driven fundraising and community support efforts. Overseeing the guild's activities, Demsher ensures that local initiatives generate consistent funding for research and patient services. The Cystic Fibrosis Guild President directs the planning and execution of events that raise awareness about the disease. By fostering a collaborative environment, Demsher mobilizes volunteers to contribute to the foundation's mission. This leadership role involves coordinating with regional and national teams to ensure that guild efforts align with the broader strategic goals of the organization. Gayle Demsher maintains a focus on community engagement, building relationships that sustain long-term support for the foundation. Through effective management of guild resources, Demsher drives the success of local fundraising campaigns. Ultimately, the Cystic Fibrosis Guild President plays a vital role in the foundation's ability to fund life-saving research, ensuring that the community remains actively involved in the fight against cystic fibrosis.

    Emilie Grahl - Chief of Staff To the COFO

    Emilie Grahl, the Chief of Staff To the COFO at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, coordinates executive workflows and facilitates communication between the financial office and broader organizational leadership. Managing complex administrative projects, Grahl ensures that the Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer receives accurate data for strategic decision-making. The Chief of Staff To the COFO synchronizes departmental objectives, fostering collaboration to accelerate the development of new therapies. By streamlining internal processes, Grahl enhances the operational capacity of the foundation. This role requires constant monitoring of organizational priorities to ensure alignment with the mission of curing cystic fibrosis. Emilie Grahl maintains high standards of accountability, supporting the executive team in executing large-scale initiatives. Through meticulous coordination, Grahl enables the leadership to focus on high-impact research and patient advocacy, ensuring that every operational effort contributes to the overarching goal of improving lives for those living with the disease.

    Marybeth McMahon - Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff

    Marybeth McMahon, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, directs the strategic alignment of internal teams and executive initiatives. Overseeing cross-functional projects, McMahon ensures that organizational goals remain focused on the mission to cure cystic fibrosis. The Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff manages the flow of information to the leadership team, facilitating rapid response to emerging research opportunities. By optimizing internal communication channels, McMahon drives efficiency and clarity across the foundation. This leadership role involves coordinating with various departments to ensure that resources reach critical clinical programs. Marybeth McMahon maintains a focus on operational excellence, supporting the broader strategy of the organization. Through effective management of executive priorities, McMahon enables the foundation to sustain its commitment to patients. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff fosters a culture of collaboration that accelerates the pace of medical innovation.

    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 initiatives aimed at curing cystic fibrosis. Overseeing the development of new therapeutic pathways, Faro ensures that scientific advancements translate into tangible patient benefits. The Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer directs clinical trials and collaborates with research partners to push the boundaries of current medical knowledge. By evaluating emerging data, Faro guides the foundation in prioritizing high-potential projects. This leadership role involves constant engagement with the medical community to improve standards of care for patients nationwide. Albert Faro maintains rigorous oversight of clinical operations, ensuring that all research adheres to the highest safety and efficacy standards. Through strategic medical leadership, Faro accelerates the delivery of life-changing treatments. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer drives the scientific mission, ensuring that the foundation remains at the forefront of medical progress.
    Albert Faro

    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. Overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and performance management, Massenburg ensures that the foundation attracts and retains the expertise necessary to cure cystic fibrosis. The Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer manages internal policies that foster an inclusive and high-performing work environment. By aligning workforce capabilities with the foundation's strategic mission, Massenburg supports the efficiency of research and clinical operations. This leadership role involves collaborating with the executive team to build a resilient organizational structure. Yvonne Massenburg maintains a focus on employee engagement, ensuring that staff members remain motivated and committed to the foundation's goals. Through strategic human resources management, Massenburg strengthens the foundation's ability to execute complex medical and charitable initiatives. Ultimately, the Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer drives the organizational health required to sustain long-term progress in the fight against the disease.
    Yvonne Massenburg

    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, manages the operational execution of clinical programs and provides strategic guidance to medical leadership. Overseeing the logistics of clinical trials, Berry ensures that research projects proceed efficiently and meet all regulatory requirements. The Director, Clinical Affairs Operations and Advisor To the Chief Medical Officer directs the coordination between research teams and clinical sites, facilitating the rapid advancement of new therapies. By analyzing operational data, Berry identifies opportunities to improve the speed and quality of clinical research. This leadership role involves advising the Chief Medical Officer on strategic priorities and resource allocation. Rebecca Berry maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that clinical affairs support the foundation's mission to cure cystic fibrosis. Through meticulous management of clinical operations, Berry enables the foundation to accelerate the development of life-extending treatments for patients across the country.

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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 Bean Corcoran (President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter) 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), Bean Corcoran (President of the Board of Directors Ct. Chapter), Jennifer McKinnon (Jennifer's Journey Founder and President) 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 Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer, 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), Cystic Fibrosis Guild President.