Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation Enhances Leadership to Propel Research and Partnerships

Leadership Changes at The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (PFF) recently made significant strides in strengthening its leadership team by appointing Jessica Shore, PhD, RN, as Chief Scientific Officer and Jennifer Mefford as Chief Partnerships Officer. These appointments are part of the foundation's strategic vision to enhance its operational and outreach capabilities over the next five years.

A Focus on Science and Community Engagement

With a vision of revolutionizing research and partnerships, the foundation looks to align its organizational strategies with the needs of the pulmonary fibrosis community. According to Scott Staszak, PFF President and CEO, the addition of Jessica and Jennifer to the leadership team marks an important milestone. Their proven expertise and commitment are expected to drive substantial impact in the field of pulmonary fibrosis and related interdisciplinary collaborations.

Jessica Shore: Leading Scientific Innovation

Dr. Jessica Shore, who joined PFF in 2020, has a rich history of leading scientific initiatives. She previously directed the PFF Care Center Network, which provides support to specialized centers for interstitial lung disease across the United States. Under her oversight, the PFF Registry has blossomed into an invaluable research resource for patients, families, and healthcare providers dealing with pulmonary fibrosis.

Dr. Shore's research, aimed at capturing the lived experiences of patients through qualitative methods, has positioned her to understand the nuances of the disease better. As Chief Scientific Officer, she emphasizes her commitment to advancing research priorities at PFF. "I am honored to take on this role and help guide the Foundation's scientific strategy as we work to accelerate progress in pulmonary fibrosis research," says Shore. Her goal is to fortify the research infrastructure and promote data-driven initiatives that will deepen the understanding of these diseases.

Jennifer Mefford: Forging Strategic Alliances

Jennifer Mefford, the newly appointed Chief Partnerships Officer, has been instrumental in leading the PFF’s Corporate Partnerships team, creating collaborative frameworks across various sectors. In her new role, she will spearhead the foundation's organization-wide partnerships strategy, aiming to enhance corporate revenue streams and drive strategic initiatives.

"Partnerships are central to how we expand the Foundation's reach," says Mefford. With a clear vision, she aims to strengthen resources and broaden access to better serve the pulmonary fibrosis community. Her commitment revolves around forging strong alliances across industry and the health ecosystem, ensuring that research initiatives gain momentum and community support.

A Commitment to Growth and Impact

These executive appointments exemplify PFF’s dedication to nurturing internal leadership and building a robust organizational structure geared towards long-term growth and progressive development. The foundation's mission is not just to address current challenges but to redefine the landscape of pulmonary fibrosis care through increased collaboration and enhanced research.

About the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation

The Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation is dedicated to accelerating research, empowering the community, and transforming care to improve the quality of life for everyone affected by pulmonary fibrosis. The organization is committed to finding a cure and enhancing patients’ lives. With a four-star rating from Charity Navigator and accreditation by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Wise Giving Alliance, PFF's standards of excellence in charity practices are recognized nationally. For additional information, visit pulmonaryfibrosis.org or call 844.TalkPFF (844.825.5733).