Nataliia Toropova Appointed Chief Development Officer at Global Action to End Smoking
Global Action to End Smoking (GAES) has made a significant strategic move by appointing Nataliia "Natasha" Toropova as its Chief Development Officer, effective immediately. With her extensive background in international public health and tobacco harm reduction, Toropova is set to lead the organization in its commitment to eliminating smoking-related deaths on a global scale.
Toropova expressed her enthusiasm about joining GAES, emphasizing her alignment with the organization's core values and dedication to fostering a smoke-free world. She noted, "I'm honored to join Global Action, an organization that shares my own values of compassion for those who smoke and my vision of a world without smoking-related deaths." Her dedication to public health, combined with her previous experiences, uniquely positions her to spearhead fundraising and outreach efforts that are vital for the expansion of GAES’s philanthropic reach.
Throughout her career, Toropova has been deeply committed to public health and has garnered significant experience in tobacco control initiatives. Prior to her new role, she served as the CEO of Healthy Initiatives, a nonprofit organization focused on tackling public health issues, particularly related to non-communicable diseases in countries such as Ukraine and across Eastern Europe. Under her leadership, Healthy Initiatives has been instrumental in educating healthcare providers about the importance of tobacco harm reduction strategies, especially in challenging contexts like the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The organization also provided critical resources and assistance to frontline healthcare workers, illustrating Toropova's ability to blend advocacy with practical support.
With a background that includes positions at the World Health Organization (WHO) and Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, Toropova has not only been a staunch advocate for tobacco harm reduction but has also successfully managed fundraising campaigns to support related public health initiatives. This extensive experience will be invaluable as she looks to ensure GAES can finance and implement vital research programs aimed at curbing tobacco usage globally.
Pam Parizek, Executive Board Chair of GAES, praised Toropova's capabilities, stating, "Natasha brings a bold vision, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to public health. She’s seen firsthand the positive impact Global Action's support can have to accelerate smoking cessation and is the perfect person to grow our partnerships and lead our efforts to expand our funding for this life-saving work."
The appointment comes at a crucial moment for GAES, which is reforming its strategies to enhance its support for grantees involved in combating tobacco use. The organization has assured stakeholders that it will fulfill its mission by continuing to provide financial backing for ongoing projects, a commitment that is reflected in its reorganization efforts. Toropova will be collaborating closely with the executive leadership team in executing fundraising strategies and outreach that will increase the organization's ability to provide meaningful support to projects like those with Northwell Health and the National Harm Reduction Coalition.
Heidi Goldstein, President and Chief Legal Officer of GAES, reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to its goals by stating, "We have now guaranteed that our organization will last to see the end of the global smoking epidemic." This solidifies the framework under which Toropova and her team will operate, paving the way for new initiatives to arise, bolstered by increased funding and public involvement.
In conclusion, Nataliia Toropova's appointment as Chief Development Officer is not just a pivotal moment for Global Action to End Smoking but also a significant step forward in the battle against tobacco-related illnesses. With the right leadership and commitment, there is hope for transformative change in public health policies surrounding tobacco use, ultimately leading to a healthier future for countless individuals worldwide.