Events

by Carolyn Fota
As many in our community know, 2021 was a very successful year for the IPPF. From record attendance at our Virtual Patient Education Conference to creating connections for researchers at our Scientific Symposium, we found continued opportunities to grow the impact of our organization. Years of awareness efforts culminated in offering a continuing education course with the American Dental Association. Our peer health coaches adapted to the ongoing pandemic and provided additional support to patients and caregivers. These are just a few highlights from a year with many to choose from.

What you may not know is that Kevin Mead, the IPPF’s Executive Director, stepped down at the end of 2021 to pursue other opportunities. Though Kevin’s time with the IPPF lasted only 15 months, his impact was immediate. Kevin successfully applied for and received several high-profile grants, streamlined operations, and managed a virtual staff and team of volunteers with a deft hand.

Upon Kevin’s departure, the IPPF Board of Directors evaluated the needs of the Foundation to determine how to best move forward in the coming years. The Board conducted an exhaustive search and selected a staff member who shows a deep understanding of the IPPF’s vision, mission, and a commitment to the needs of our community. 

I am pleased to announce Patrick Dunn as our newest Executive Director. Patrick has been working for the IPPF since 2014 when he joined the staff as a health communications specialist. His role grew over the years, and he has most recently worked as the IPPF Communications and Marketing Director. “It’s a tremendous honor to serve pemphigus and pemphigoid patients and their caregivers, as well as the medical professionals who support them every day,” Patrick said. “I’m excited to work in this new capacity, especially knowing the talent that the rest of our staff brings to their jobs. The IPPF has never been stronger, and there are many initiatives in the works to make a brighter future for patients.” 

Patrick Dunn will officially assume his new role as the IPPF Executive Director on February 28, 2022. We are all looking forward to this next chapter. Patrick can be reached directly by email or phone (916) 435-6751. 

Carolyn Fota is the Chair of the IPPF Board of Director’s, IPPF peer health coach, and Mid-Atlantic Support Group Leader.

by Marc Yale

It is with mixed emotions that I inform you that I am stepping down as the Executive Director of the IPPF. Over the past several months, the IPPF performed an intensive search for a new executive director to lead our community going forward. We were fortunate to find an experienced individual who is equipped to meet the unique challenges that our community faces. The IPPF is in good hands with Kevin Mead, who will be taking over as the Executive Director of the IPPF.

Although I am stepping down, I will continue to volunteer part-time with the IPPF and serve in the new role of Advocacy/Research Coordinator. I will continue to work to advance disease awareness, patient advocacy, and accelerate research and development for the IPPF community. After being diagnosed with MMP, I joined the IPPF in 2008 as a peer health coach. I have served, and will continue to serve, in that capacity as well.

Thank you for your unwavering support, and please join me in welcoming Kevin! I look forward to watching the IPPF continue to move forward in support of patients around the world, be a leading advocate for the rare disease community, and advance research toward finding a cure!

“I am delighted to join the Foundation. It is clear that the team of staff, Board of Directors, and volunteers have built a responsive and dynamic organization. I look forward to being a part of the next chapter for the IPPF and to “meeting” many of you at the upcoming Virtual Patient Education Conference.” –Kevin Mead

Kevin joins the IPPF from Spokane County United Way, where he was the VP of Resource Development. At United Way, Kevin developed fundraising and volunteerism initiatives. Before United Way, Kevin was the CEO of PrimeGlobal—a worldwide association of accounting firms— for 16 years. At PrimeGlobal, Kevin directed a remote staff of 16 on four continents organizing events, developing networking tools, and benchmarking member operations. He also merged three organizations into one and grew the organization 400%.

From 1994 to 2001, Kevin worked for the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). While at the IIA, Kevin held a number of positions, including Manager of Conferences, Manager of Field Services, and Manager of Certification Development.

Kevin has presented at seminars and conferences throughout Europe, North America, and Asia on topics that include association management, risk, and auditing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and master’s degrees in audit and international association management. Kevin is a Certified Association Executive (CAE), a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).

In addition to his professional responsibilities, Kevin is a rugby referee and restores and rides old motorcycles.

Meet Kevin at the 2020 IPPF Virtual Patient Education Conference, Oct 2-4!