With Gratitude to our Global Community

As we reflect on 2025, we are thankful to the global community that makes the work of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer possible. This year’s progress, from advancing international standards and expanding global education to convening the lung cancer community across regions, was driven by the shared commitment of our members, volunteers, partners, and supporters around the world. Together, you continue to move lung cancer research, care, and collaboration forward. 

We are deeply grateful to the global community that makes IASLC’s work possible. From clinicians, researchers, and patient advocates to committee members, donors, and partners, your expertise, time, and support strengthen collaboration, build capacity across regions, and ensure diverse voices shape the future of lung cancer care. A special thank you to our industry partners for their continued investment in global meetings, helping to create focused platforms for scientific exchange, deepen collaboration, and support sustained advancement in critical areas of thoracic oncology.

We extend special thanks to our IASLC staff, who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the success of our programs, initiatives, and global community. As we look ahead, we remain inspired by what can be achieved through collaboration and shared purpose, and we are honored to continue this work together. 

As we move forward, we do so with a clear understanding that progress is not achieved alone. It takes a global community, working together with a shared purpose. We are proud of what has been accomplished, but even more energized by what lies ahead. Together, we will continue to listen, evolve, and take action, and ensure that IASLC remains a place where members can connect, contribute, and make a meaningful impact on the future of lung cancer care. 

Kelsey Hecker

Kelsey Hecker, a member of the IASLC's Conferences team, talks about the unique IASLC community.

IASLC Staff

Executive team

Karen Kelly, MD Chief Executive Officer 
Elizabeth Donahue, CPA Chief Financial Officer 
Jennifer C. King, PhD Chief Science Officer 
Matt Yeingst, CFRE Chief Development Officer

STAFF

Andrea Alarcon, MBA Scientific Program Manager 
Ruth Barratt, PhD Sr. Scientific Program Manager 
Tessa Baxter Development Program Manager 
Bernina Bijou, DHA Executive Assistant 
Carey Burgess Education Coordinator 
Bailey Creamer Editorial Coordinator 
Kathy Doherty Director, Human Resources 
Gena Erwin, CMP Director, Conferences 
Sierra Esparza Grants Coordinator 
Sydney Files Scientific Affairs Coordinator 
Thalia Giraldo Data Analyst 
Rory Graham Web Content Administrator
Debbie Hadala Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Kelsey Hecker, CMP Conference Manager 
Kelly Heemsbergen, CMP Conference Manager 
Lauren Karls, CPA Sr. Accountant 
Kelly Kraines, CHCP Director, Education 
Maggie Lilac Sponsorship & Exhibits Coordinator 
Bea Haelena Lim Accounting Intern 
Dan Lissek Associate Director, Information Technology 
Katie Maher Membership Manager 
Sunhee Malinowski, CPA, MBA Controller 
Courtland Matthews Marketing & Communications Manager 
Beanie Montoya Associate Director, Marketing & Communicatons 
Uli Neitzel Accountant
Kahri Nestingen Corporate Development Specialist
Alan Nguyen Education Coordinator
Sara Patton Patient Advocacy Manager
Kelsey Petri Membership Specialist
Connie Sorell Scientific Affairs Coordinator
Savannah Spakes Membership Coordinator
Hannah Webb Development Coordinator
Cayla Williby Conference Coordinator
Kelsey Wood, CAE Director, Membership
Laura Woodruff Education Manager
Murry Wynes Sr. Advisor, Scientific Affairs
Keelan Zius, PhD Scientific Program Manager