Los Angeles, CA (August 4, 2023) – The Celiac Disease Foundation, a global leader in patient advocacy, today announces the departure of Chief Development Officer Deborah Ceizler, who has served the organization in key roles for more than 18 years.
During her time with the Foundation, Deborah was deeply committed to the Foundation’s mission of accelerating diagnosis, treatments, and a cure – all while improving the quality of life for all people affected by this genetic autoimmune disease.
Deborah joined the Foundation in 2005 under then-Founder and Executive Director Elaine Monarch to help the organization grow to a well-respected national resource. She identified an urgent need to get gluten-free food into the hands of the people who needed it most, establishing the Foundation’s corporate sponsorship program, relationships with food companies, and the first national Gluten-Free EXPO, which helped to ignite the gluten-free food market that we know today. She also created a nationwide celiac disease support group network to help people get the evidence-based information they needed to navigate a life-changing diagnosis. Deborah’s diverse background in advertising, marketing, and event planning equipped her to grow revenues across all business lines through program expansion, development strategies, and identification of funding sources to advance the Foundation’s mission and goals.
In 2012, Deborah transitioned to a full-time role as the Chief Development Officer, ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and celiac disease awareness, building important strategic partnerships, formalizing fundraising processes, and continuing to preside over the beloved Gluten-Free EXPO. To promote the Foundation’s mission, Deborah identified and cultivated strategic relationships in the biopharma, healthcare, food manufacturing, and food service industries, directed marketing and branding efforts to expand the Foundation’s profile in the celiac disease community, and worked to raise awareness among the general public, all while maintaining strong partnerships with donors and corporate sponsors.
“I cannot thank Deborah enough for the commitment, passion, creativity, and enthusiasm that she has contributed over the many years she has served the Celiac Disease Foundation,” said CEO Marilyn G. Geller. “She will be greatly missed by the CDF Board and staff, and her legacy will live on through the many programs and relationships she developed during her tenure. As Deborah departs our organization, we are filled with gratitude for her outstanding commitment to our shared mission.”
Deborah’s leadership and vision have created a structure that will serve the Foundation for years to come, and her significant contributions will long be felt throughout the celiac disease patient community.
About the Celiac Disease Foundation
The Celiac Disease Foundation, established in 1990, is a leading global patient advocacy organization committed to accelerating diagnosis, treatments, and a cure for celiac disease. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the millions of individuals around the world affected by this genetic autoimmune disease through our strategic investments in research, advocacy, and education. Our iCureCeliac® patient registry and extensive patient recruitment services enable us to identify qualified patient candidates and speed their enrollment to advance critical disease research. Our unparalleled advocacy program has led the way to secure federal recognition and first-ever research funding from agencies including the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. We adhere to the highest scientific and ethical standards as we work each day to promote understanding of celiac disease, empower our patient and provider community, and collaborate with partners and stakeholders to carry our mission forward.