Dear UMDF Community: 

As you know, Brian Harman has been the UMDF President and CEO for the past six years, driving numerous critical initiatives on behalf of the mitochondrial disease community. Brian has been a dynamic and innovative leader, greatly expanding UMDF’s reach through initiatives like UMDF’s Venture Philanthropy Fund, no-cost genetic testing programs, the launch of a next-generation patient registry – and most significantly, the cultivation and development of a strong team of dedicated staff.

Effective July 19, 2024, Brian will be departing UMDF to pursue a new opportunity. We are grateful for his time with UMDF and know that he will continue to support our team and our mission. We wish Brian all the best in his future endeavors.

The UMDF Board has created a Transition Committee that will be working closely with Brian and key UMDF staff leaders to ensure a smooth transition and to maintain the organization’s lofty goals. The Transition Committee will be leading a search for a new CEO and will utilize a professional search firm with expertise in non-profit leadership. 

UMDF stands strong thanks to the incredible passion, dedication, and support of our entire team. Our future is bright and the Board is committed to our mission to “Promote research and education for the diagnosis, treatment and cure of mitochondrial disorders and to provide support to affected individuals and families.”

We look forward to seeing many of you at the UMDF’s Mitochondrial Medicine Conference next week.

Kind regards, 
Dr. Alicia Palladino, Chair, on behalf of the Board of Trustees for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation