A truly European leadership
Since its early days, EFA’s leadership has been composed by individuals and organisations represented in the board, looking to grow EFA’s presence and voice at European level. In a world that was improving its sensibility on the topic of gender balance and women responsibilities, EFA has always distinguished itself from being a predominantly women-led organisation
- 1991: Edith Rameckers was the first coordinator and steered the organisation in its first year.
- 1992-1993: Tina Funnel, the first elected president.
- 1993-1995: Hanne Langkjaer, Astma-Allergi Forbundet, Denmark
- 1995-2000: Kerstin Hejdenberg, Asthma och Allergi Forbundet, Sweden. She unfortunately passed away during her mandate due to disease, but fought until the very last moment for better care for patients.
- 2000-2001: Erkka Valovrita, Allergia-ja Astmalitto, Finland, was the first male president of EFA.
- 2005-2008: Svein Erik Myrseth, Norwegian Heart and Lung Association
- 2009-2012: Marianella Salapatas, ANIKSI, Greece
- 2012-2015: Breda Flood, Asthma Society of Ireland
- 2015: Christine Rolland, Asthma and Allergies, France
- 2016-2021: Mikaela Odemyr, Swedish Asthma and Allergy Foundation
- 2021-2023: Carla Jones, Allergy UK
- 2023-2026: Marcia Podestá, Food Allergy Italia
- 2026-ongoing: Karoly Illy (Longfonds, the Netherlands) is EFA’s current President. He leads the Board and helps guide EFA through future opportunities and challenges.