The Alliance is supported by a small global team of staff and contractors who work across research, advocacy, communications, programs, events, governance, and operations. Together, they collaborate with member associations and partners around the world to advance the Alliance’s mission of a world free of ALS/MND.
Chief Executive Officer
Catherine Cummings, CAE, MBA
Cathy Cummings has an eclectic mix of experience in the Canadian not-for-profit sector, including the National Payroll Institute, the Canadian Bar Association, the Canadian Corporate Counsel Association, and the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. She has also volunteered extensively with United Way, the Canadian Society of Association Executives, and many charities, including ALS Ontario, ALS Canada, and Ceridian Cares. Cathy holds an MBA from Athabasca University and the Certified Association Executive (CAE) designation.
On a personal note, Cathy is married to her husband, Marty, has three children, and has a mission nicknamed the “Bouquet Project,” where she is trying to reverse the statistic that people are 10 times more likely to complain than praise.
Advocacy and Membership Lead
David Ali
David Ali is an experienced CEO and board member with an extensive background in social policy, communications, strategy development, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, organizational performance, and governance.
More than 20 years ago, David joined the Board of MND Victoria after learning firsthand about the devastating impact of ALS/MND. Since then, he has supported the community through fundraising, advocacy, and leadership roles with MND Victoria, MND Australia, and the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations. Until March 2024, he served as Chief Executive Officer of MND Australia.
David lives in Melbourne, Australia, and enjoys spending time with his family, running, and exploring his home city.
Design, Innovation, and Technology Strategist
Jarnail Chudge
Jarnail Chudge began his career in academia researching socio-technical systems before he co-founded Microsoft Soundscape, which uses spatialized sound for a hands-free audio augmented-reality experience. He is Honorary Professor of Practice at University College London, specializing in AI in Accessibility and Digital Accessibility Policy, advancing inclusive design through student-led technology innovation. Jarnail’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that designing inclusive technologies that empower people by enhancing accessibility and human capability is a doorway into understanding how to provide universal benefits for all.
At the Alliance, Jarnail oversees technology collaborations with industry and academic partners and has delivered roundtables and webinars for the community and presented at external conferences and leads its experiential “Day in the Life Of” event at the Allied Health Professionals conference. Jarnail designed and continues to focus on evolving the Patient Needs Matrix, which draws on Maslow’s framework of human needs, and has become the cornerstone of the Alliance’s Quality of Life strategic objective.
Scientific Director
Martina de Majo, PhD
Martina de Majo, PhD, has extensive experience researching the disease mechanisms of ALS/MND and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology and Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology with honours from Sapienza University of Rome before completing her PhD in Clinical Neuroscience at King’s College London and postdoctoral training at the University of California, San Francisco.
In addition to her academic research, Martina worked as a principal investigator in industry, directing several National Institutes of Health projects focused on ALS/FTD disease modelling. She joined the International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations as Scientific Director in 2024 and leads the Alliance’s global research portfolio.
Event Coordinator
Angèlie Gilchrist
Angèlie Gilchrist is an experienced events professional with nearly 15 years of experience planning and delivering complex corporate and organizational events. She combines a strong creative background with a highly organized, service-focused approach to ensure every event is thoughtfully designed and seamlessly delivered.
With a background in visual communication and design, Angèlie has expertise in branding, web design, motion graphics, illustration, and hand lettering. She applies these skills to create engaging event experiences and clear, accessible communications, with a particular focus on making programs and information easy to navigate for people affected by ALS/MND.
Program Coordinator
Jessica Mabe
Jessica Mabe was born in London and raised bilingually in Bogotá, Colombia. After returning to the United Kingdom, she earned a degree in French and German with Business Studies from Aberystwyth University, followed by master’s degrees in Mass Communications, Digital Marketing and Advertising, and Digital Marketing. Before joining the Alliance, Jessica built her career leading sales and digital marketing teams in the technology sector across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
In 2014, Jessica’s mother was diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS/MND. Jessica returned to Colombia in 2015 to help care for her alongside her father. After her mother passed away in 2018, Jessica became an active volunteer with ACELA, the Colombian ALS/MND Association, supporting family caregivers. She joined the Alliance as Program Coordinator in July 2021.
Executive Assistant
Liana Maltby, CAP
Liana Maltby is a Certified Administrative Professional (CAP) with extensive experience providing executive support, preparing board agendas and minutes, coordinating meetings, and planning events.
Before joining the Alliance in 2022, Liana spent more than 37 years with the same organization, serving in a variety of progressively senior administrative roles. As an Executive Assistant, she supported a provincial board of directors and built strong relationships with municipal and provincial government officials while participating in government advocacy initiatives. Most recently, Liana was elected as a Municipal Councillor in her local community.
Liana lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and eldest daughter, while their youngest daughter lives in Alberta.
Strategic Project Manager
Julia Simon
Julia Simon holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing from the John Molson School of Business in Montreal, Canada. Most recently, Julia worked in open-source community building in the technology sector. In 2019, she experienced a major burnout, which eventually led her to share her story through conference presentations about normalizing mental health challenges and advocating for systemic change in the workplace. She is a human-centred generalist who is authentically curious and speaks English, French, German, and Spanish.
When her father was diagnosed with bulbar-onset ALS/FTD in January 2022, Julia became one of his primary caregivers. He passed away later that year, leading her to learn more about death positivity, medical assistance in dying, and end-of-life care. Since then, she has completed training in peer support and as an end-of-life doula. Julia enjoys spending time with her son, Felix, and her cat, Flash.
Communications Manager
Lynne Yryku
Lynne Yryku is a communications strategist with more than 20 years of experience helping associations, charities, and professional organizations communicate more effectively with their members and stakeholders. She specializes in strategic communications, digital communications, publications, websites, social media, and member engagement. In addition to the Alliance, she works with organizations across Canada in sectors including healthcare, law, payroll, and professional regulation. She is passionate about translating complex information into clear, accessible communications and helping organizations tell compelling stories that inspire action.
At the Alliance, Lynne leads communications strategy and delivery across the organization’s digital channels, publications, marketing, and global campaigns. She works closely with member associations and partners around the world to strengthen engagement and advance the Alliance’s mission.
Lynne lives in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and two children. Outside of work, she enjoys distance running, hiking, and exploring Canada’s trails with her family.