The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) has announced its appointment of a new Executive Director, Dr Cassandra Kelly-Cirino.
Dr Kelly-Cirino joins The Union from the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND), where she was Vice President of Health Programmes. There, she led initiatives to combat tuberculosis, non-communicable diseases, neglected tropical diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and pandemic threats, giving her a deep and unique understanding of the global health landscape and experience in managing complex health programmes.
With over two decades’ experience in improving health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries, Dr Kelly-Cirino has worked extensively with vulnerable populations disproportionately affected by communicable and non-communicable diseases. Her background aligns strongly with The Union’s mission to promote lung health worldwide and eradicate lung diseases such as tuberculosis across the globe.
Professor Guy Marks, President of The Union, said: “Dr Kelly-Cirino is a fantastic appointment and will help us to continue building a bright and sustainable future for the organisation.
“Cassandra is a perfect fit for the role, our organisation and vision – a healthier world for all, free of tuberculosis and lung disease.
“Her expertise across a range of areas, but particularly infectious disease preparedness and response, will be vital for our work in striving end suffering due to tuberculosis and lung diseases”
Prior to her role at FIND, Dr Kelly-Cirino spent over 20 years working in US and Canadian public health and private sector settings, holding senior level positions at the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation (EGPAF), DNA Genotek/Orasure Technologies, and the Wadsworth Center, New York State Department of Health. She brings to the Executive Director position expertise spanning research and development, evaluation, validation, implementation, market access, and regulatory aspects.
Dr Cassandra Kelly-Cirino, Executive Director of The Union said: “I’m honoured to have been appointed to the role of Executive Director. I have always been a big supporter of The Union and immensely impressed by its great work.
“Lung health and TB have been pivotal focal areas in my career, so I am looking forward to working with the team to contribute to a vital mission that profoundly impacts global health.
“I’m excited to see what the future holds for the organisation and look forward to supporting The Union to achieve a healthier world for all, free of tuberculosis and lung disease.”
Prior to Dr Kelly-Cirino’s appointment, the role of Executive Director of The Union was held on an interim basis by The Union’s President, Professor Guy Marks. He will remain in role as President of the organisation.
The appointment comes ahead of The Union World Conference on Lung Health 2024 taking place 12–16 November in Bali, Indonesia, where leading voices within the lung health community will present cutting-edge research into the transmission, diagnosis, and treatment of tuberculosis.