I am very pleased to announce that we have successfully filled the role of Executive Director at Defeat Duchenne Canada.
After a rigorous and competitive talent acquisition process, the successful candidate for the Executive Director role is Nicola Worsfold, MSc. As many of you know, Nicola is not necessarily new to the organization as she was the past National Vice President of Research, Education and Advocacy with our organization for four years from 2019 to 2023. Nicola has also been supporting our Research and Advocacy portfolio on contract for the past 12 weeks and has been instrumental in the planning of our upcoming Family Forum on October 25 and 26 in Toronto.
Over the past 15+ years, Nicola has built a career at the intersection of science, advocacy and strategic leadership. From her recent role as Principal Consultant, Rarex Consulting in the area of rare disease, to her past role with Defeat Duchenne Canada to Stand for Duchenne Canada, the grassroots initiative designed to unify families, build awareness, and expedite access to treatments that Nicola co-founded in 2016.
Nicola brings a unique perspective to this role having spent over 15 years in the pharmaceutical industry supporting the rare disease and neurology portfolio as a Medical Lead, Medical Manager and Area Business Manager, and as a Duchenne parent with her lived experience of caring for an individual living with Duchenne.
Nicola is well connected in the Duchenne community both within North America and internationally as evidenced by her participation and speaking engagements at national and international rare disease conferences.
Nicola holds both a Masters and Honours Bachelor of Science from the University of Toronto and on a personal note coaches for Hanlan Boat Club and the Toronto Metropolitan University rowing team.
Starting in her new role, September 15, 2025, Nicola will report to myself (and the Board) and the following National Defeat Duchenne Canada team members will report to Nicola:
- Bobbi Vasher, National Director, Marketing & Communications (Part-time)
- Rochelle ten Haaf, National Director, Marketing & Communications (Part-time)
- Jordan Hamilton, National Director, Development
- Rafaela Fernandes, National Administrator
- William Marchand, National Coordinator, Education, Engagement & Support
Congratulations Nicola and we wish you much success in your new role as we partner on our mission to DEFEAT DUCHENNE.
Regards,
Brian Atkinson
Board Chair
Defeat Duchenne Canada