## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [About Us](/about-us) - [Leadership](/about-us/leadership) ## Breadcrumb - [Home](/) - [About Us](/about-us) - [Leadership](/about-us/leadership) # John L. Lehr ![John L. Lehr headshot](/sites/default/files/styles/470x550/public/images/john-lehr-bio-detail.jpg?h=c9aea1bc&itok=AKIbiVwK) President & Chief Executive Officer ## John L. Lehr I believe we can help people with Parkinson's disease live better lives by providing meaningful information and resources, raising health care standards, and investing in research that leads to medical breakthroughs as quickly as possible. John L. Lehr Parkinson's Foundation President & CEO John L. Lehr leads the Parkinson's Foundation (PF) as president and chief executive officer. He has nearly three decades of nonprofit fundraising and management experience, with a strong focus in the voluntary healthcare and medical research sectors. ![John L. Lehr with media](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/john-lehr-news.jpg?itok=vLG5VCrM) Lehr played a key role in merging two legacy Parkinson’s disease (PD) organizations into the Parkinson’s Foundation in 2017. Since joining the Foundation, fundraising revenue has grown three-fold, allowing the Foundation to greatly expand its mission programs in research, care, and patient education and empowerment. He has expanded the Foundation’s footprint by opening PF chapters across the United States, as well as expanding the Foundation’s Global Care Network to more than 60 PF-designated Centers of Excellence. These and other developments have resulted in the Foundation receiving the highest ratings among independent nonprofit rating agencies, including a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The Foundation was also named one of the Best Places to Work in 2020 by *The NonProfit Times*. During his tenure at the Foundation, Lehr has overseen several major mission program initiatives including: - Launching [PD GENEration](/advancing-research/our-research/pdgeneration "PD GENEration: Powered by the Parkinson’s Foundation"), a groundbreaking study to gather genetic data for PD research and drug development. PD GENEration has tested tens of thousands of people with PD, returning results and providing genetic counseling; - Launching the [Parkinson’s Virtual Biotech](/advancing-research/parkinsons-drug-discovery "Drug Discovery and Development"), a collaboration with Parkinson’s UK that invests in early-stage symptom-controlling and disease-modifying PD therapies; - Expanding the Foundation’s [Global Care Network](/living-with-parkinsons/finding-care/global-care-network "Global Care Network") to more than 60 Centers of Excellence worldwide in order to increase access to high-quality PD care and disseminate best practices globally; - Joining the Parkinson’s Policy Roundtable to align the PD community around key policy issues, and to petition federal and state lawmakers to take action on pressing research and care concerns. ![John L. Lehr at the Parkinson's Policy Forum](/sites/default/files/styles/380x361/public/images/john-lehr-mjff-dc.jpg?itok=024YmHtA) Lehr also guides the Foundation’s [four-year strategic plan](https://cdn.flipsnack.com/widget/v2/widget.html?hash=u3s7s831ci) which aims to advance the Foundation’s mission and ensure meaningful outcomes for the PD community. In advocating for people with PD, Lehr recognizes the importance of providing information and resources to the PD community, notably through the Foundation’s website, Parkinson.org, which receives more than 8 million visits per year, the toll-free Helpline which answers more than 23,000 calls from the public each year, the Community Grants Program which provides $1 million of PD-focused grants to local organizations annually, and through Moving Day, a walk for Parkinson’s, the Foundation’s signature peer-to-peer fundraising event. Lehr earned his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in History from Villanova University. From 1990–1991, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Sri Lanka. ### Media Requests If you are a member of the media and would like to interview John L. Lehr, please contact Melissa Nobles Gonzalez, Public Relations Manager, at 305-537-9134 or **.** ## In The News In The News ### [ Parkinson's disease with Parkinson's Foundation President/CEO John Lehr ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/54YDdP6nzaOMVrx8S2qSly) Aging Matters (Podcast) May 12, 2026 Parkinson's Foundation President & CEO John Lehr joins host Cheryl Beversdorf for a lengthy conversation all about Parkinson's disease, focusing on causes, early signs, diagnosis and treatment options, approaches to managing symptoms and maintaining active lifestyles, and recent research findings. [ Learn more ](https://open.spotify.com/episode/54YDdP6nzaOMVrx8S2qSly) In The News ### [ National Satellite Media Tour ](https://vimeo.com/reviews/fe804894-2fd1-422c-8d3c-9f42d5aff320/videos/1185624426) Television Stations Nationwide April 15, 2026 "Find Real Answers" public service announcement spokesperson Robert Baittie and Parkinson’s Foundation President & CEO John Lehr returned to the studio to participate in a national satellite media tour to raise awareness of Parkinson's disease this awareness month. Together, they shared Foundation resources with 22 nationally syndicated and local television programs across the country, like this one. [ Learn more ](https://vimeo.com/reviews/fe804894-2fd1-422c-8d3c-9f42d5aff320/videos/1185624426) In The News ### [ National Radio Tour ](https://soundcloud.com/a-1broadcast/kltt-am_john-lehr-robert-baittie-16?in=a-1broadcast/sets/parkinsons-foundation-with&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) Radio Stations Nationwide April 8, 2026 Parkinson’s Foundation President & CEO John Lehr joined Parkinson's Awareness Month spokesperson and advocate Robert Baittie on a national radio media tour to raise awareness of early Parkinson’s symptoms and how to live well with PD. Together, they shared Foundation resources with 22 nationally syndicated and local radio programs across the country, like this one. [ Learn more ](https://soundcloud.com/a-1broadcast/kltt-am_john-lehr-robert-baittie-16?in=a-1broadcast/sets/parkinsons-foundation-with&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) In The News ### [ Terry Crews’ wife Rebecca, 60, reveals secret Parkinson’s diagnosis after 11 years ](https://metro.co.uk/2026/04/06/terry-crews-wife-rebecca-60-reveals-secret-parkinsons-diagnosis-11-years-27875924/) METRO April 6, 2026 Parkinson's Foundation President & CEO John Lehr shares a statement on behalf of the Parkinson's Foundation after Rebecca King Crews, the wife of actor Terry Crews, recently revealed a PD diagnosis. [ Learn more ](https://metro.co.uk/2026/04/06/terry-crews-wife-rebecca-60-reveals-secret-parkinsons-diagnosis-11-years-27875924/) In The News ### [ Parkinson’s Disease Exercise Recommendations Updated ](https://recmanagement.com/articles/155654/parkinsons-disease-exercise-recommendations-updated) Recreation Management February 18, 2026 The Parkinson’s Foundation and the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), the world’s largest sports medicine and exercise science organization, announced updated recommendations to provide safe and effective guidance on exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). [ Learn more ](https://recmanagement.com/articles/155654/parkinsons-disease-exercise-recommendations-updated) In The News ### [ Supporting Families ](https://progressally6yogf8hc32ioroi.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/list/Journal/101/j101-lehr.pdf) CSA Journal (Society of Certified Senior Advisors) February 1, 2026 Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr bylines this contributing guest article about the importance of how professionals in the aging industry can help families identify Parkinson’s disease (PD) and respond quickly to create a better quality of life. [ Learn more ](https://progressally6yogf8hc32ioroi.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/list/Journal/101/j101-lehr.pdf) In The News ### [ When Parkinson's raised walls, they decided to climb ](https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2025/12/20/health/parkinsons-rock-climbing-cnnphotos-vis/) CNN December 20, 2025 This long-format feature piece profiles a group of people living with Parkinson’s who attend the UpEnding Parkinson's Meetup at The Gravity Vault rock climbing gym in Radnor, a suburb of Philadelphia. Foundation President & CEO John Lehr provides comments on the importance of exercise for people with PD. [ Learn more ](https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2025/12/20/health/parkinsons-rock-climbing-cnnphotos-vis/) In The News ### [ Parkinson's Foundation Breaks Silence on Ozzy Osbourne's Death After His Battle With Disease ](https://parade.com/news/parkinsons-foundation-breaks-silence-on-ozzy-osbournes-death-after-his-battle-with-disease) Parade July 22, 2025 On behalf of the Parkinson's Foundation, President & CEO John L. Lehr issued a statement mourning the death of Ozzy Osbourne and honoring his openness about living with Parkinson’s since his diagnosis in 2019. [ Learn more ](https://parade.com/news/parkinsons-foundation-breaks-silence-on-ozzy-osbournes-death-after-his-battle-with-disease) In The News ### [ Emory receives Parkinson’s Foundation grant to launch nurse practitioner fellowship ](https://news.emory.edu/stories/2025/07/hs_bhc_parkinsons_np_fellowship/story.html) Emory University July 1, 2025 Emory University has received a Parkinson’s Foundation grant to launch a Nurse Practitioner Fellowship focused on Parkinson’s care. The program, hosted at Emory Brain Health Center, will expand access to specialized PD care and help reduce long wait times. [ Learn more ](https://news.emory.edu/stories/2025/07/hs_bhc_parkinsons_np_fellowship/story.html) In The News ### [ Parkinson's Awareness Month & Earth Day ](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/960-iheartradio-communities-28241250/episode/parkinsons-awareness-month-earth-day-272806823/?cmp=web_share&embed=true) iHeartRadio April 17, 2025 Parkinson’s Foundation President & CEO John L. Lehr joins iHeartRadio’s national public affairs show and host Manny Munoz for a long-format 20-minute exclusive interview about PD symptoms, early signs and resources during Parkinson’s Awareness Month. [ Learn more ](https://www.iheart.com/podcast/960-iheartradio-communities-28241250/episode/parkinsons-awareness-month-earth-day-272806823/?cmp=web_share&embed=true) In The News ### [ Parkinson's Awareness Month with John Lehr & Dr. Kathleen Blake ](https://soundcloud.com/a-1broadcast/angie-austin_parkinsons-10?in=a-1broadcast/sets/parkinsons-rmt-with-dr-kathleen-blake-and-john-lehr&si=d951f0786ad749658a7d174e6c518b30&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) The Good News with Angie Austin – Nationally Syndicated Radio April 3, 2025 As one of 23 radio program interviews during Parkison’s Awareness Month, Parkinson’s Foundation President & CEO John Lehr and PPAC Vice-Chair Dr. Kathleen Blake join host Angie Austin during a national radio media tour to talk about early Parkinson’s symptoms and how to live well with PD. [ Learn more ](https://soundcloud.com/a-1broadcast/angie-austin_parkinsons-10?in=a-1broadcast/sets/parkinsons-rmt-with-dr-kathleen-blake-and-john-lehr&si=d951f0786ad749658a7d174e6c518b30&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing) In The News ### [ Interview with John Lehr & Carla Velastegui - Parkinson's Foundation ](https://soundcloud.com/a-1broadcast/wwdb-john-lehr-and-carla?in=a-1broadcast/sets/parkinsons-foundation-rmt-with-john-lehr-and-carla-velastegui) National Radio Media Tour November 13, 2024 Parkinson’s Foundation President & CEO John Lehr joined PPAC member and PD care partner Carla Velastegui on a national radio media tour in honor of National Family Caregivers Month. Together, they shared Foundation resources and tips on how to avoid caregiver burnout with 22 nationally syndicated and local radio programs across the country. Hear one of the many interviews here. [ Learn more ](https://soundcloud.com/a-1broadcast/wwdb-john-lehr-and-carla?in=a-1broadcast/sets/parkinsons-foundation-rmt-with-john-lehr-and-carla-velastegui) In The News ### [ Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre says he has Parkinson’s disease ](https://apnews.com/article/brett-favre-parkinsons-congress-mississippi-welfare-fraud-4d1635ac54ee5ab156fd2825fcd29430) Associated Press September 24, 2024 Retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he told a congressional committee Tuesday. Favre “is one of the 90,000 people in the U.S. who will be diagnosed with PD this year alone,” said Parkinson’s Foundation CEO John Lehr. [ Learn more ](https://apnews.com/article/brett-favre-parkinsons-congress-mississippi-welfare-fraud-4d1635ac54ee5ab156fd2825fcd29430) In The News ### [ Parkinson's Disease & Veterans ](https://rss.com/podcasts/veterans-radio/1516809/) Veterans Radio by Veterans Radio America July 16, 2024 Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO John Lehr joins army veteran and People with Parkinson’s Advisory Council member Mark Kelm to talk with host Jim Fausone about PD, veterans who have it and resources available from the Parkinson's Foundation. [ Learn more ](https://rss.com/podcasts/veterans-radio/1516809/) In The News ### [ Improving Your Life Through the ABCs of Parkinson's Disease ](https://www.ncoa.org/article/improving-your-life-through-the-abcs-of-parkinsons-disease) National Council on Aging April 10, 2024 Foundation CEO & President John Lehr bylines an article about Parkinson's Awareness Month and brings attention to some of the ABCs of PD and meaningful steps people with PD can take toward living well. [ Learn more ](https://www.ncoa.org/article/improving-your-life-through-the-abcs-of-parkinsons-disease) In The News ### [ Live From MarketSite: Parkinson’s Foundation ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jLXsPo6icw&ab_channel=Nasdaq) NASDAQ May 4, 2023 Following Parkinson’s Awareness Month, Parkinson’s Foundation President and CEO John L. Lehr sat down with NASDAQ’s Live From MarketSite to discuss the early signs of PD and the important work the Foundation is doing to make life better for the entire PD community. [ Learn more ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jLXsPo6icw&ab_channel=Nasdaq) ## Videos Featuring John ![White text on blue background that reads "Here is what you helped us accomplish in 2019"](/sites/default/files/styles/820x460/public/images/video-lehr-2019accomplishments_0.png?h=17c3cd98&itok=MY_UKdEa) ![White text on black background that reads "Hashtag Virtual Moving Day" with the Parkinson's Foundation Moving Day logo](/sites/default/files/styles/820x460/public/images/video-lehr-virtualmovingday_0.png?h=17c3cd98&itok=FVH2rLEF) ![White and black text on blue background that reads "Notes from the CEO: Parkinson's Foundation Earns 4-Star Rating from Charity Navigator"](/sites/default/files/styles/820x460/public/images/video-lehr-4starrating_0.png?h=17c3cd98&itok=N_Rx3GaW) Previous Next - Share on Facebook - Share on X - Share on LinkedIn