Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Executive and Leadership Team

May, 2026

Leadership Overview

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, operations, and people.

Driven by a commitment to eradicating cystic fibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation focuses on accelerating research and improving the lives of those affected by the disease, impacting global health outcomes through dedicated non-profit initiatives.

Leadership Roles at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

  • Chief Executive Officer - Craig Foster
  • Chief Financial Officer - Todd Ford
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer - Irena Barisic
  • Jennifer's Journey Founder and President - Jennifer McKinnon
  • President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange) - Susan Hook
  • Chief of Staff - Lindsey Beaman
  • Chief of Staff To the COFO - Emilie Grahl
  • Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff - Marybeth McMahon
  • Chief People Officer - Yvonne Massenburg
  • Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary - Michael Cavadel
  • Craig Foster - Chief Executive Officer

    Craig Foster, the Chief Executive Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, directs the organization's overarching strategy and mission to cure cystic fibrosis and ensure productive lives for those with the condition. Foster guides the executive team in advancing research, improving patient care, and advocating for policy changes that benefit the CF community. This leadership role involves fostering collaborations with scientific institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and patient advocacy groups to accelerate therapeutic development and access. Craig Foster ensures alignment with the foundation's non-profit objectives, driving initiatives that maximize impact and support long-term organizational sustainability. The Chief Executive Officer's vision shapes the foundation's direction, focusing on achieving breakthroughs in treatment and ultimately finding a cure.

    Todd Ford - Chief Financial Officer

    Todd Ford, the Chief Financial Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, oversees all financial operations and fiscal strategy for the organization. Ford manages budgeting, financial planning, accounting, and investment activities, ensuring the responsible allocation of resources to support research and patient programs. This role involves developing financial models to assess the viability of new initiatives and optimize resource utilization across departments. Todd Ford works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other leaders to maintain financial health and transparency, crucial for a non-profit reliant on donations and grants. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital in sustaining the foundation's long-term operational capacity and its commitment to its mission.

    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 the operational and financial strategies of the organization. Barisic oversees day-to-day operations, resource management, and financial planning, ensuring the efficient deployment of funds towards research and patient support. This dual role requires a comprehensive understanding of fiscal responsibility and operational excellence to advance the foundation's mission. Irena Barisic is instrumental in maintaining the financial integrity and operational capacity necessary to drive breakthroughs in cystic fibrosis treatment and care. The Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer ensures robust infrastructure supports the foundation's ambitious goals.
    Irena Barisic

    Jennifer McKinnon - Jennifer's Journey Founder and President

    Jennifer McKinnon, the Jennifer's Journey Founder and President at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, spearheads initiatives focused on patient advocacy and community support. McKinnon leverages personal experience to drive awareness and fundraising efforts, directly impacting the foundation's ability to support research and improve lives. This leadership position involves engaging with patient families, advocating for improved care standards, and inspiring philanthropic contributions. Jennifer McKinnon's dedication fuels critical programs that enhance the quality of life for individuals with cystic fibrosis. The Jennifer's Journey Founder and President champions the patient perspective, ensuring it remains central to the foundation's mission.

    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, leads significant regional and national governance functions. Hook oversees trustee activities, chairs nominating committees, and directs the operations of the Southern California Chapter, driving local fundraising and advocacy efforts. This multifaceted role involves ensuring strong leadership pipelines and effective governance across multiple levels of the organization. Susan Hook's extensive involvement strengthens the foundation's community engagement and strategic oversight. The President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange) plays a pivotal role in advancing the foundation's mission through dedicated volunteer leadership.
    Susan Hook

    Lindsey Beaman - Chief of Staff

    Lindsey Beaman, the Chief of Staff at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides strategic support and operational oversight to the executive leadership team. Beaman facilitates cross-departmental communication and project management, ensuring initiatives align with the foundation's core mission of curing cystic fibrosis. This position involves coordinating key organizational priorities, managing special projects, and enhancing the efficiency of executive decision-making processes. Lindsey Beaman supports the Chief Executive Officer in executing strategic plans and driving organizational effectiveness. The Chief of Staff's role is critical in streamlining operations and ensuring the seamless execution of the foundation's ambitious goals.

    Emilie Grahl - Chief of Staff To the COFO

    Emilie Grahl, the Chief of Staff To the COFO at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides dedicated operational and strategic support to the Chief Operating and Chief Financial Officer. Grahl manages critical projects, enhances communication flows, and ensures efficient execution of directives impacting both operational and financial functions. This role involves coordinating cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives and streamline processes. Emilie Grahl plays a key part in translating high-level financial and operational strategies into actionable plans. The Chief of Staff To the COFO's focus is on optimizing resource allocation and operational performance to further the foundation's mission.

    Marybeth McMahon - Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff

    Marybeth McMahon, the Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides critical strategic and operational leadership across the organization. McMahon enhances executive effectiveness by managing key initiatives, facilitating interdepartmental collaboration, and ensuring alignment with the foundation's mission to cure CF. This role involves overseeing complex projects, optimizing internal processes, and supporting the Chief Executive Officer in strategic planning and execution. Marybeth McMahon's contributions are vital to the efficient functioning of the foundation's leadership. The Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff ensures that strategic objectives are translated into tangible progress towards the foundation's goals.

    Yvonne Massenburg - Chief People Officer

    Yvonne Massenburg, the Chief People Officer at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, leads all human resources functions and talent management strategies. Massenburg is responsible for fostering a positive and productive work environment, developing employee engagement programs, and ensuring the foundation attracts and retains top talent. This role involves overseeing recruitment, compensation, benefits, and professional development initiatives to support the organization's mission-critical work. Yvonne Massenburg cultivates a culture that empowers staff to contribute effectively to research and patient advocacy efforts. The Chief People Officer ensures the foundation's workforce is equipped and motivated to achieve its ambitious goals.
    Yvonne Massenburg
    Michael Cavadel, the Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary at Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides comprehensive legal counsel and corporate governance oversight. Cavadel manages all legal affairs, ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting the foundation's interests across its operations. This role involves advising the executive team and Board of Directors on legal matters, risk management, and corporate policies. Michael Cavadel's expertise is crucial for navigating the complex legal landscape inherent in non-profit operations and research funding. The Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary safeguards the foundation's integrity and operational framework.

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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 Craig Foster (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Todd Ford (Chief Financial Officer) and Irena Barisic (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer).
    Who is part of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s executive team?
    The executive team of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation includes leaders such as Craig Foster (Chief Executive Officer), Todd Ford (Chief Financial Officer), Irena Barisic (Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer) 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 Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating & Chief Financial Officer, Jennifer's Journey Founder and President, President, National Trustee, County Guild, Nominating Chair & So Cal Chapter (Orange).