Global Action to End Smoking Welcomes Nataliia Toropova as New Chief Development Officer

Global Action to End Smoking Welcomes Nataliia Toropova as Chief Development Officer

On June 16, 2025, Global Action to End Smoking proudly announced the appointment of Nataliia "Natasha" Toropova as the new Chief Development Officer. This strategic hire marks a significant step in the non-profit's mission to combat the tobacco epidemic that claims millions of lives each year.

Natasha Toropova's Vision and Experience

Nataliia Toropova brings with her decades of profound expertise in international public health and tobacco harm reduction. "I am honored to join Global Action, an organization that embodies my values of compassion for smokers and my vision for a world free from tobacco-related deaths," stated Toropova upon her appointment. Her commitment to improving public health is reflected in her extensive background, which includes key roles at the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids in Eastern Europe.

Before joining Global Action, Natasha served as the CEO of Healthy Initiatives, a non-profit organization focused on strengthening public health by addressing non-communicable disease risks across Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Under her leadership, Healthy Initiatives educated hundreds of healthcare providers across nine countries on the benefits of smoking cessation, particularly for individuals unable or unwilling to quit, especially amid global conflicts.

Expanding Philanthropic Efforts

As Chief Development Officer, Toropova will steer the organization’s endeavors to amplify its philanthropic impact through funding critical research and initiatives aimed at accelerating progress in global tobacco control. Her role is crucial, especially as Global Action enhances its commitment to grantees and fosters new funding opportunities amidst its recent restructuring.

"Natasha brings a bold vision, deep expertise, and unwavering commitment to public health," remarked Pam Parizek, Chair of Global Action's Executive Board. Parizek emphasized that Natasha's firsthand experience with the positive effects of Global Action’s support in accelerating smoking cessation programs makes her an ideal leader for securing additional resources to further the organization's life-saving mission.

In her new capacity, Natasha will support various grantees, including collaborations with Northwell Health, the National Harm Reduction Coalition, and ECLAT, a research-based spin-off of the University of Catania. She will work closely with the leadership team on fundraising and outreach efforts to expand Global Action's impact.

Commitment to Ending the Tobacco Epidemic

Heidi Goldstein, President and Chief Legal Officer of Global Action, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment, stating, “We have now ensured that our organization will witness the end of the global smoking epidemic.”

Global Action to End Smoking operates as an independent, non-profit entity (501(c)(3)) dedicated to eradicating tobacco use, which remains the leading preventable cause of death worldwide. Previously funded by PMI Global Services, Inc. (PMI), the organization has now adopted a policy to halt any funding requests or acceptances from companies involved in the manufacture of tobacco or non-medical nicotine products, thereby aligning with its mission to end the tobacco epidemic.

Conclusion

Nataliia Toropova's appointment as Chief Development Officer marks a pivotal moment for Global Action to End Smoking. With her extensive experience and dedication to public health, she is poised to lead the organization towards achieving its goals of enhanced funding for research and initiatives that substantially contribute to global tobacco control efforts. As Global Action continues its vital work, the engagement and leadership of figures like Natasha Toropova are fundamental to ushering in a healthier, smoke-free future.