World Parkinson Coalition names new leaders ahead of 2029 congress

The World Parkinson Coalition has named new executive leaders and added a board member as it prepares for the 8th World Parkinson Congress in Quebec City in 2029. The leadership changes come as the group works to expand global collaboration on Parkinson’s research, care and advocacy.

Why it matters: - The World Parkinson Coalition is resetting its leadership ahead of the 8th World Parkinson Congress in Quebec City in June 2029. - The organization plays a central role in connecting researchers, clinicians, people with Parkinson’s and care partners worldwide. - Parkinson’s disease affects nearly one million Americans and more than 11 million people globally, making coordination around research and care a high-stakes issue.

What happened: - The World Parkinson Coalition announced new executive leadership for the next three years. - Malú G. Tansey, PhD, becomes President. - Jeffrey H. Kordower, PhD, becomes Vice President. - Alice Nieuwboer, PhD, PT, continues as Secretary. - Rajesh Pahwa, MD, continues as Treasurer. - Leonidas Stefanis, MD, PhD, joins the Board of Directors. - The leadership transition was announced July 1, 2026.

The details: - Tansey is Director of Neuroimmunology Research at the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute and a faculty member at the Indiana University School of Medicine. - Tansey’s research focuses on inflammation and immune system dysfunction in Parkinson’s disease and related neurodegenerative disorders. - Tansey previously served as Vice President of the World Parkinson Coalition and has held multiple leadership roles in the organization. - Kordower is the founding director of the ASU-Banner Neurodegenerative Disease Research Center and The Charlene and J. Orin Edson Distinguished Director at the Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University. - Kordower has worked with the World Parkinson Congress since its inception as a speaker, program committee member and Board Director. - Kordower’s research background includes neural transplantation, disease pathogenesis, gene therapy and stem cell research. - Stefanis is Professor of Neurology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School and Director of the 1st Department of Neurology at Eginition Hospital in Athens. - Stefanis is also an Affiliated Researcher at the Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens. - Stefanis studies the molecular mechanisms behind Parkinson’s disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, with a focus on alpha-synuclein biology, lysosomal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. - Stefanis has authored hundreds of scientific publications and has participated in international Parkinson’s research initiatives. - The World Parkinson Coalition says its congresses create opportunities for collaboration, education and innovation aimed at improving treatment, care and quality of life. - The coalition hosts the only global event that brings together all stakeholders in the Parkinson’s community. - A complete list of the WPC Board of Directors is available on the World Parkinson Coalition website.

Between the lines: - The appointments signal continuity rather than a wholesale reset, with two officers retaining their roles and one incoming president moving up from vice president. - The board changes also strengthen the group’s scientific credentials as the 2029 congress approaches. - The leadership mix reflects the coalition’s emphasis on global representation across research and clinical care. - Executive Director Elizabeth Pollard said the coalition is building on momentum from the recent 7th World Parkinson Congress as it looks ahead to 2029. - Outgoing President Roger Barker said the new leaders’ scientific expertise and international perspectives will help expand the coalition’s global impact. - Tansey said the coalition occupies a unique place by bringing together researchers, clinicians, people with Parkinson’s, care partners and advocates from around the world.

What's next: - The new leadership team will guide the World Parkinson Coalition through the run-up to the 8th World Parkinson Congress in 2029. - The coalition is expected to continue preparing programming, partnerships and global engagement for that event. - The board roster is available through the coalition’s website.

The bottom line: - The World Parkinson Coalition is positioning experienced Parkinson’s researchers and clinicians to steer its next phase, with the 2029 congress in Quebec City as the main milestone.