Dear Friends,
I am pleased to announce that IBE has appointed Donna Walsh as Incoming IBE CEO who will take over from our Executive Director, Ann Little, who is retiring on 31st December 2021.
Donna joins IBE from the European Federation of Neurological Associations (EFNA), where she has worked as Executive Director since 2012.
At EFNA, Donna was responsible for overseeing the development of its new strategic direction, and also led in the creation and implementation of its annual workplan, projects and activities. This included keynote initiatives such as the OneNeurology Partnership, the MEP Interest Group on Brain, Mind and Pain and the Training Initiatives for Neurology Advocates.
Donna has also been active in representing EFNA and the neurology patient community externally, including as a member of the European Affairs Sub-Committee at the European Academy of Neurology, a Board Member of the European Brain Council and a member of the WHO’s NeuroCovid Global Forum. She is also regularly invited, as a patient leader, to join initiatives of the pharmaceutical industry – such as the Lundbeck Institute Neuroscience Faculty, the Roche Personalised Healthcare Council and the Steering Committee of the EFPIA Patient Think-Tank.
Donna has also moderated and chaired many events for EFNA, its members and partners – and addressed high level conferences and meetings at institutions such as the European Parliament from the neurology patient perspective.
Donna lives in Ireland – she has two young children and two puppies who keep her busy outside of work!
Donna will begin working on a part time basis from 1st November moving to full-time from 1st January 2022. I am sure that you will join with me in welcoming her to IBE.
With best wishes,
Francesca Sofia
President
