#USA #New York #Tobacco Harm Reduction #Global Action #Nataliia Toropova

Global Action to End Smoking Welcomes Natasha Toropova

On June 16, 2025, the Global Action to End Smoking organization proudly announced the addition of Nataliia "Natasha" Toropova as its new Chief Development Officer (CDO), effective immediately. With several decades of rich experience in international public health and tobacco harm reduction, Natasha brings invaluable expertise to this pivotal role. According to her, "I am honored to join Global Action, a body that shares my values of compassion for smokers and my vision of a world free from smoking-related deaths."

As the newly appointed CDO, Natasha will spearhead efforts to enhance Global Action's philanthropic outreach, with a focus on financing critical research and initiatives. These efforts are designed to hasten the global progression towards ending tobacco use. Prior to joining Global Action, Natasha served for six impactful years as the CEO of Healthy Initiatives, a nonprofit organization committed to bolstering public health by addressing the risks of non-communicable diseases in regions including Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. Under her stewardship, Healthy Initiatives trained hundreds of healthcare providers across nine countries on the merits of tobacco harm reduction for those unable or unwilling to quit smoking, particularly during the stressful circumstances of global conflict.

One of her notable accomplishments during her tenure at Healthy Initiatives was providing critical support—such as tactical tourniquets, ambulances, and mental health aid—to the areas most affected by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The dedication she has towards public health and her firsthand experience with the positive impact of support from Global Action significantly enhance her capability to navigate the organization towards acquiring additional funding for continued progress.

Pam Parizek, the Executive Board Chair of Global Action, expressed her confidence in Natasha's capabilities, stating, "Natasha brings a bold vision, deep expertise, and an unwavering commitment to public health. She has seen first-hand the beneficial impact that support from Global Action can offer in accelerating smoking cessation, making her the ideal person to lead our fundraising initiatives."

This appointment comes at a crucial juncture for Global Action, as the organization renews its commitment to beneficiaries. Following a recent restructuring, Global Action has secured its ability to persist until the conclusion of the global tobacco epidemic, thus fulfilling its existing commitments while also allocating funds for upcoming grants.

Natasha will work closely with management to execute her fundraising and outreach responsibilities. The grants that Natasha’s development efforts support currently include various projects in collaboration with esteemed organizations such as Northwell Health, the National Harm Reduction Coalition, and ECLAT, a research initiative from the University of Catania.

Heidi Goldstein, the President and General Counsel of Global Action, reiterated the organization’s dedication to its mission, proclaiming, "Global Action remains steadfastly committed to its purpose. We now have the assurance that our organization will continue its essential work until we entirely overcome the global tobacco epidemic."

About Global Action to End Smoking

Global Action to End Smoking is an independent nonprofit organization based in the United States (501(c)(3)), dedicated to eradicating tobacco use, which remains the foremost cause of preventable death worldwide. Historically, Global Action has received funding from PMI Global Services, Inc (PMI). However, in September 2023, Global Action and PMI concluded their initial funding agreement, and the organization has officially adopted a policy of not seeking or accepting funding from companies that produce tobacco or non-medical nicotine products.

For inquiries: Katherine Ellen Foley, 202-215-9971, katherine.ellen.foley@example.com