IMP Announces New Board Following Election

15 Jul, 2025

IMP is delighted to announce the results of its recent Board elections, confirming a dynamic and diverse leadership team that reflects the global scope of its work.

Paula Morandi appointed as Chair

Following many years of dedicated service on the IMP Board, Paula Morandi has been appointed as the new Chair. Paula represents Mitocon, Italy’s leading mitochondrial disease (mito) patient organisation, and brings a deep understanding of the challenges faced by families and individuals affected by mitochondrial disorders. Her work within Mitocon, with the LHON community, and directly with families affected by mito—alongside her longstanding contribution to IMP—ensures continuity and a strong patient-centred vision for the years ahead. Paula lost her vision 30 years ago to LHON and is an inspirational leader to both the LHON and mito communities.

Commenting on her appointment, Paula expressed her gratitude for the trust placed in her and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing IMP’s mission of supporting the international mitochondrial patient community. “It is a privilege to serve as Chair at such an important time for our global network. I look forward to building on our momentum and working together with our members to amplify the patient voice and push for faster progress.”

Toni Catton re-elected as Secretary

Toni Catton, representing Mito Foundation in Australia, has been re-elected as Secretary. Toni’s experience and input continue to prove invaluable to the Board. She has been involved with the Mito Foundation for many years, initially as a volunteer and later as a staff member, while caring for her daughter who had a mitochondrial disease. Toni will lead a new initiative focused on strengthening collaboration with member organisations in the coming months. We look forward to sharing more on this in due course.

Pedro Mendes continues as Treasurer

Earlier this year, Pedro Mendes of Mitocon Brazil was elected Treasurer at an Extraordinary General Meeting. Pedro brings not only financial expertise but also valuable regional insight as IMP continues to expand its reach across Latin America and beyond. Pedro lives with LHON.

Thank you to Kira Mann

The Board would like to express its heartfelt thanks to Kira Mann, CEO of MitoAction in the United States, who has stepped down as Chair but remains on the Board. Kira’s determination and strategic vision have helped lay the groundwork for IMP’s continued development. We are delighted she will continue to play an active role, sharing her expertise and passion for international collaboration.

Re-elections and new appointments

We are pleased to confirm that Emma del Rey of AMMi (France) has been re-elected to the Board. Emma has been a valued contributor to IMP’s discussions and decisions for many years and has been involved with the organisation since its inception. Her dedication to the international mito community is demonstrated both in the projects she leads on behalf of IMP and in her support for her daughter, who lives with mito.

Elja van der Veer, founder of IMP and long-standing advocate for the mitochondrial disease community, has also been re-elected. Elja’s vision for IMP was inspired by her own experience living with mito, alongside other members of her family. A Dutch national representing Spierziekten Nederland, she continues to play a vital background role supporting IMP’s Dutch legal and administrative structures. Her historical knowledge and commitment to IMP’s foundations remain invaluable.

IMP warmly welcomes two new Board members: Kristen Clifford, CEO of UMDF (United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation, USA), and Liz Curtis, founder and CEO of the UK-based Lily Foundation. Both bring significant leadership experience to IMP, and we look forward to their valuable contributions to our strategic work.

Liz Curtis founded The Lily Foundation in memory of her daughter, Lily, and has since built one of the UK’s leading mitochondrial disease organisations. Her personal connection to the cause and tireless dedication to research, family support, and awareness-raising continue to have a transformative impact on the community.

Read an article in the Guardian newspaper featuring Liz Curtis talking about her beautiful daughter Lily who was the inspiration for The Lily Foundation.

Kristen Clifford joined UMDF in January 2025, bringing several decades of experience in non-profit and healthcare settings, with a particular focus on improving the accessibility and quality of care for individuals affected by serious diseases. Her expertise in patient advocacy and strategic development will be instrumental to IMP’s future.

With this new Board, IMP is well-positioned to continue strengthening its role as the global umbrella organisation for mitochondrial disease patient groups—promoting collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and unified advocacy.

We thank all Board members—past and present—for their continued dedication to the mitochondrial disease community.

Thank you to our members who attended the AGM and voted for the new Board.