Staff and Office Contact Information
NATF Staff
Ilene Sussman, PhD - Executive Director, NATF
Ilene Sussman holds a Ph.D. in Biochemistry. She began her career in basic scientific research focusing on the underlying causes of biological disorders, later shifting her research skills to biotechnology. While in the field of biotechnology, Dr. Sussman led a team of researchers responsible for developing purification processes for protein-based products. Her work included assurance of product purity and consistency, removal of potential viral contaminants, product transfer to the manufacturing setting, meeting and regulatory guidelines.
Concurrent to her professional work, Dr. Sussman served as a lay leader in the non-profit community. She realized that good business and management models could be beneficially transferred to the non-profit sector. With the deep desire to have a more direct impact on changing people’s lives, in 2000 Dr. Sussman entered the non-profit sector when Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP), the largest Jewish non-profit agency in New England, created a position for her, Project Manager and Liaison for CJP’s educational arm. In 2004, several CJP Board Members and major donors invited Dr. Sussman to help found a new organization, “DAF: Jewish Day School Advocacy Forum”.
In 2007, Dr. Sussman combined her science background and passion for non-profit work when she became the Executive Director of the North American Thrombosis Forum (NATF, www.NATFonline.org). Through her efforts, the organization has experienced tremendous growth. Dr. Sussman has helped develop several new educational and public policy initiatives. She has been integrally involved in NATF’s leading efforts on expressing patient safety and product efficacy concerns to Capitol Hill and the FDA as it relates to Follow-On Biologics and generic Low Molecular Weight Heparins.
Caroline Kernan - Event Coordinator, NATF
ckernan@NATFonline.org
Caroline Kernan is a graduate of Union College. She began her career in the non-profit sector as a disability advocate with the New York Association on Independent Living in Albany, NY, coordinating advocacy trainings and a statewide conference on disability issues.
Elle How - Marketing, Education and Outreach Coordinator, NATF
ehow@NATFonline.org
Elle How holds a BSBA degree in Marketing with a minor in Finance from Suffolk University's Sawyer School of Business. She began her career working for Hollister Inc. Staffing Firm as the Marketing Analytics Intern and later joined KaBloom LTD as the Social Media and Affiliate Management Intern. Although her focus is primarily in online marketing, How has also worked with a variety of non-profits such as Cycle Kids and Crayon's Gone Wild. How developed a marketing plan for these non-profits to help them enhance their awareness and interest to the appropriate target markets.
