AFBS Announces Key Board Leadership Appointments
A Foundation Building Strength (AFBS) announces important changes to its leadership, marking a new chapter focused on strategic growth and continued dedication to our mission. We are pleased to welcome Leticia Machado as the new President of the Board of Directors and Adrian Gomez as our newest board member. These appointments strengthen our commitment to advancing Nemaline Myopathy research and supporting our global community.
Leticia Machado: Stepping into the Presidency
Leticia takes the reins from our dedicated founder, Marc Guillet, who served as President for a remarkable 17 years. The foundation you know today is a direct result of the vision and commitment Marc and his wife, Dana, demonstrated when they started this journey for their daughter, Ava. We are profoundly grateful for his leadership.
Marc shared this heartfelt message about the transition:
“Leading AFBS has been the honor of a lifetime. Dana and I started this journey driven by Ava’s diagnosis, and to see how far we’ve come as a community is truly humbling. I am incredibly proud of all we have accomplished, and I am even more excited for our future under Leticia’s guidance. Her passion, strategic mind, and deep personal commitment are exactly what we need for this next chapter.”
We are confident in the future under Leticia’s guidance. She has been a key champion for years, using her personal experience as a parent to her daughter, Ceci, who is affected by NM, to advocate for cutting-edge research. Leticia and her husband, Guilherme (also an AFBS board member), met as business students. As a Wharton graduate and strategic consultant, Leticia brings a sharp analytical mind and strong personal connection to her role. She has shown incredible passion and strategic vision in her work on the board, and we are excited for her to lead us forward.
Leticia shared her vision:
“I am deeply honored to step into this role, building upon the incredible legacy Marc and Dana have created. My family’s experience has shown me the power of community and research, and I am committed with my whole heart to advancing AFBS’s mission. We will continue to prioritize groundbreaking Nemaline Myopathy research, expand our global community support, and tirelessly advocate until effective treatments are a reality for every affected individual.”
Marc will continue to serve on the board as an active and invaluable member, ensuring his experience and guidance remain a cornerstone of our work.
Adrian Gomez: Welcoming a New Board Member
We are also pleased to welcome Adrian Gomez to the Board of Directors. A passionate advocate with a son diagnosed with NM, Adrian is a leader in sustainability and a highly accomplished professional.
Adrian brings valuable expertise to the board, complementing his existing service on AFBS’s Scientific Advisory Board. He is the Operations Director in Mexico for Ramboll, a major sustainability consulting company, and a prominent thought leader in his field. He holds three master’s degrees, including an MPhil from Cambridge University, and is the author of three books on environmental regulations. His professional acumen and personal dedication make him a valuable asset as we continue our vital work.
Thank you to Marc, Leticia, and Adrian for their leadership! We are excited for this next chapter as we continue to build strength together.
A Foundation Building Strength (AFBS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to accelerating the development of treatments for Nemaline Myopathy. Our mission is to fund cutting-edge research to find effective treatments while providing resources and a strong community for families affected by NM. We are proud to be at the forefront of driving Nemaline Myopathy research breakthroughs forward through collaborative events like SciFam.
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