Leading with Expertise. Driven by Personal Stakes.
The IWMF Board of Trustees is not your typical nonprofit board. These are accomplished leaders—executives, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and scientists—who bring world-class expertise to our mission. But what truly sets them apart is this: every single trustee either lives with Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) or stands beside someone who does. They know what it means to wait for test results. To ask hard questions. To hope for a better treatment—or a cure.
Their commitment is total. They donate their time, their professional skillsets, and their financial resources. They show up—in meetings, in support groups, in research planning sessions—not just as board members, but as members of the WM community. That’s why their leadership matters. That’s why they push for results. And that’s why you can trust that IWMF is all-in, from the inside out.
Our Board of Trustees:
- Paul Kitchen, Chair of the Board
Paul’s career in education spanned teaching roles at three of Canada’s leading Independent Boarding Schools, culminating in 29 years as a Head of School. With a strong interest in good governance for not-for-profit organizations, he served as Chair of the Board of the WMFC—Canada’s IWMF global partner—before joining IWMF’s Board four years ago. Known for his ability to build consensus and foster international partnerships, Paul became Chair of IWMF in 2024. Paul lives in New Brunswick, Canada. - Carl Harrington, Vice Chair Development
Carl Harrington led the IWMF Board from 2010 to 2022, guiding the Foundation through a pivotal era of global growth and scientific acceleration. He became IWMF’s fourth—and final—volunteer President and CEO in 2016, following in the footsteps of Arnie Smokler, Ben Rude, and Judith May. During his tenure, IWMF evolved from an all-volunteer organization to one with professional executive leadership, laying the groundwork for long-term impact in research, education, and global partnerships. Carl was a driving force behind expanding funding for cutting-edge science, deeper collaboration with researchers worldwide, and stronger patient support across borders. Since his WM diagnosis in 2006, Carl has remained unwavering in his commitment to the mission. His steady hand and forward-looking vision helped establish IWMF as a globally respected leader in the rare cancer space. Carl lives in Pennsylvania, U.S. - Carl Lisman, Secretary/Treasurer
Carl Lisman brings seasoned financial leadership to IWMF, built on a 38-year career in banking, that included service as Executive Vice President across multiple business lines. His governance experience includes six years on the Governing Board of the University of Scranton and trustee roles at several nonprofits. Today, he applies that deep expertise in governance and fiscal management to help safeguard IWMF’s financial health and long-term stability. Carl’s connection to WM adds personal meaning to his work—he’s not just balancing books, he’s backing a mission. Carl lives in Pennsylvania, U.S. - David Schnell, MD, Chair, Research Strategy Committee; Co-Vice Chair of Research
Dr. David Schnell is Managing Director of a leading biomedical venture capital firm, where he partners with entrepreneurs to grow early-stage companies and advance breakthrough therapies. He brings deep expertise in translational research—the critical process of turning lab discoveries into real-world treatments—and plays a pivotal role in guiding IWMF’s research investment strategy. With over 60 life sciences investments and service on 25+ biotech and healthcare boards, David knows how to move science into the clinic. He holds an MD from Harvard Medical School, an MA in Health Services Research from Stanford University School of Medicine, and a BS in Biological Sciences from Stanford University. David lives in Menlo Park, California, U.S. - Lisa Wise, Vice-Chair, Information & Support
Lisa Wise is a nationally recognized advocate for patient- and family-centered care, with over 25 years of experience amplifying patient voices—from bedside to boardroom. She has led hospital advisory councils, consulted for the American Academy of Pediatrics, and helped shape major patient safety initiatives. At IWMF, she partners closely with support group leaders around the world to ensure no patient faces WM alone. Lisa holds degrees from McGill and Harvard and lives in Pennsylvania, U.S. - Stephen Ansell, MD, PhD, Co-Chair, Scientific Advisory Committee
Dr. Stephen Ansell is Chair of the Division of Hematology at Mayo Clinic and holds the prestigious Dorotha W. and Grant L. Sundquist Professorship in Hematologic Malignancies Research. A world-renowned expert in lymphomas, Dr. Ansell has spent decades advancing immunotherapy and decoding the tumor microenvironment. As Co–Chair of IWMF’s Scientific Advisory Committee, he helps lead our global research strategy. But more than that, he’s a steady, compassionate presence—bringing not just expertise, but unwavering support to the entire WM community. He lives in Minnesota, U.S. - Meg Mangin
Meg Mangin is a registered nurse with extensive experience in intensive care and home healthcare—and a lifelong advocate for individuals living with chronic illness. She is the founder and executive director of Chronic Illness Recovery, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to advancing the understanding of immune dysfunction and infection-related inflammation. Her work has appeared in Inflammation Research, and she is the author of “Inflammation and Vitamin D: The Infection Connection.” Within IWMF, Meg is a trusted voice and steady presence—overseeing the private Facebook support group and counseling patients daily through the WM online support community. She brings both clinical insight and compassion to this important support role. Meg lives in Wisconsin, U.S. - Craig Prizant, Development Committee
Craig Prizant is a seasoned leader in marketing, branding, and nonprofit fundraising, currently serving as Chief Development and Marketing Officer at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services—where he’s led development, communications, and strategic partnerships for the past decade Before moving into the nonprofit sector, Craig was a top branding authority at Saatchi & Saatchi, collaborating with global clients such as Nike, Pepsi, Apple, and Warner Brothers. Over the last ten years, he’s successfully applied that creative and strategic expertise to grow Vista Del Mar’s fundraising and leadership capacity. Based in Los Angeles, Craig brings a proven track record in nonprofit fundraising, donor engagement, and mission-driven growth—drawing on both his global career in communications and a decade of success leading development at Vista Del Mar. Craig lives in California, U.S. - Eileen Sullivan, Eastern MA Support Group Leader
Eileen Sullivan is a seasoned educator, program developer, and long-time WM patient advocate. With a Master of Science in Environmental Education from the University of Michigan, her professional career focused on adult learning, curriculum development, and championing science education at all levels. A Wm support group participant for more than 30 years, Eileen became a group leader over a decade ago and continues to be a trusted voice for patients navigating the complexity of this rare disease. She is the founder of IWMF affinity group focused on Bing-Neel syndrome, neuropathy, and extramedullary WM—ensuring that patients with uncommon manifestations of the disease are supported, informed, and connected. Eileen contributes her expertise across IWMF’s education and support initiatives, always keeping the patient experience at the heart of the mission. She lives in Massachusetts, U.S. - John Zimmerman, Audit & Finance Committee
John Zimmerman brings over 40 years of leadership in finance, investment management, and strategic consulting. He currently leads a national financial advisory business, setting direction and driving growth across multiple markets. Over his career, he has helped scale firms managing billions in assets, with a focus on strategic planning, operational excellence, and long-term results. As a member of the IWMF Board, John brings a forward-looking lens to the finance committee’s work—helping ensure that we maximize our investment in research to find a cure, while upholding rigorous oversight that ensures trust, transparency, and long-term strength. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. He lives in Englewood, Colorado.
Board Advisors:
- Shirley D’Sa, MD, FRCP, FRCPath
Dr. Shirley D’Sa is the clinical lead for Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia at University College London Hospitals, one of the foremost centers for WM care in the United Kingdom. A consultant hematologist with deep expertise in WM, neuropathy, and related lymphoproliferative disorders, she is also a respected clinical researcher and educator. Shirley is a frequent and valued speaker at IWMF Ed Forums, where she brings clarity and insight to complex clinical topics. Her leadership in both patient care and clinical research continues to shape best practices in WM care globally. She lives in London, England.
- Steven Treon, MD, PhD
Dr. Steven Treon is Co-Chair of IWMF’s Scientific Advisory Committee and Director of the Bing Center for Waldenström’s Macroglobulinemia at DanaFarber Cancer Institute in Boston. With deep clinical insight and a steadfast partnership with IWMF, he has been a featured speaker at every U.S. Educational Forum since 2014 and regularly presents at European Ed Forums. Dr. Treon is credited with the landmark discovery of the MYD88 L265P mutation—now a cornerstone in WM diagnosis and treatment—and remains a driving force behind the International WM Workshops. These biennial gatherings have expanded dramatically over his leadership, growing from a small consensus group to more than 700 researchers representing over 30 countries by 2024. His work ensures that IWMF funded science translates directly into better patient care worldwide. He lives in Boston, Massachusetts.