Debbie Drell

Debbie Drell is an experienced professional in patient advocacy and nonprofit management, currently serving as the Associate Director, Lead for Friedreich Ataxia and Rare Disease Patient Advocacy at Biogen since January 2024. Prior to this role, Debbie was the Senior Director of Membership at the National Organization for Rare Disorders from March 2017 to January 2024, where responsibilities included engagement strategies for member organizations and patient communities, with a focus on nonprofit capacity building and DEI initiatives. Previous positions include Director of Membership at the American Thoracic Society and Senior Director at the Pulmonary Hypertension Association, where leadership involved managing teams and guiding strategic initiatives. Debbie's early career features roles at the Feminist Majority Foundation, contributing to campus organizing and membership expansion. Debbie holds a Master of Public Health from The George Washington University and a BS in Anthropology from UC Irvine.