Executive Leadership

Deborah W. Brooks is Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF). Ms. Brooks launched MJFF with Michael J. Fox in 2000 and served as founding CEO until 2007. Since then, she served as Co-Founder and Executive Vice Chairman, overseeing the fundraising and marketing functions of the organization. Ms. Brooks stepped back into the role of CEO in May 2021 to lead the Foundation to an even stronger and more influential position in the Parkinson’s community.

Todd Sherer, PhD, is Chief Mission Officer of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF). Formally trained as a neuroscientist, he is deeply focused on the organization's research strategy, charting a course for the coming era of Parkinson’s discovery and drug development. Todd’s role includes contributing to key research initiatives such as MJFF’s landmark clinical study, the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative, collaborating with MJFF’s world-class roster of partners including ASAP (Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s) and major entities in biopharma and government, and serving as mentor and strategic advisor to PhDs on staff. Dr. Sherer served as the Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer for 10 years, from May 2011 to May 2021.

Sohini joined The Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2005. As Chief Program Officer, Sohini oversees the entire research programmatic enterprise, and works closely with the Foundation's executive leadership and Board of Directors in building the organization’s capacity as an unprecedented stakeholder in drug development — a nimble, resourceful, patient-focused problem-solver whose efforts are demonstrably accelerating progress toward treatment breakthroughs and a cure. Since 2017, Sohini served in the role of Deputy CEO and expanded her responsibilities as Head of Research, steering the Foundation’s grant funding and research programs in 2021.

Brian joined the Foundation in 2004. As Chief Scientist, Brian works with a team of professionals who stay closely linked to the Parkinson's community in order to develop an aggressive and innovative strategic vision for accelerating research and drug development for Parkinson's disease. This ensures that MJFF priorities reflect and best serve the ultimate needs of patients.

Mark Frasier joined the Foundation in 2006. As Chief Scientist, Mark works with a team of research professionals who stay closely linked to the Parkinson's research community in order to develop an aggressive and innovative agenda for accelerating research and drug development for Parkinson's disease. This ensures that MJFF research priorities reflect and best serve the ultimate needs of patients.

Holly oversees the Foundation’s efforts to tell the story of how it is tangibly speeding progress toward a cure for Parkinson's disease.

Jim McNasby started with the Foundation on March 16, 2020. His team provides legal and compliance advice to the Foundation and its senior leadership.

Vanessa Arnedo serves as the Chief People Officer at the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF), where she plays a pivotal role in shaping MJFF’s people strategy in alignment with its mission and strategic priorities. She works closely with MJFF’s executive leadership and the Board of Directors to ensure MJFF attracts, develops, and engages a talented workforce that thrives in an inclusive organizational culture to drive further impact towards the mission.

Jen serves as Chief Financial Officer, guiding the organization’s financial and technology strategy, planning, and execution ensuring the utmost fiscal responsibility. She and her team partner with all areas of MJFF to create processes, tools, and reporting that enables the Foundation’s mission to end Parkinson’s Disease. Jen works closely with the Foundation's executive leadership and Board of Directors to establish long-range goals, policies and plans that ensure effective financial stewardship and sustainability to advance the Foundation’s mission.

Lisa Boudreau joined The Michael J. Fox Foundation in July 2024 as its Chief Development Officer. She is an accomplished fundraising executive with a track record of building high-performing teams toward increased philanthropic revenue. She has spent her career raising critical funds to advance the mission and work of educational institutions, including more than 25 years of service at Harvard University.