National Headache Foundation Announces CEO Succession Plan

CHICAGO, IL – June 24, 2025 – National Headache Foundation (NHF) today announced a planned leadership transition, confirming that Katy Oakley, currently Associate Vice President, Programs & Partnerships, will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer effective September 2, 2025. Susan Lane Stone will continue as a Strategic Advisor.   The NHF Board discussed the succession plan during its March 3, 2025 meeting and formally approved Oakley’s appointment.

Oakley, who joined the National Headache Foundation April 2024, has been leading the partnership and program initiatives and the Board identified Oakley as Stone’s likely successor.  Oakley brings nearly two decades of mission-driven leadership, having led strategic marketing, partnerships, and campaigns with organizations like the American Red Cross, The Second City, and Greenheart International. She is also deeply connected to the Foundation’s mission, having lived with chronic migraine and New Daily Persistent Headache (NDPH) herself.  Her experience enables her to amplify the foundation’s voice, expand its reach, and more effectively advocate for the headache and migraine community. 

“I’m truly honored to take on this role,” said Katy Oakley. “This mission is personal for me. I know how hard it can be to live with a headache disorder — and how powerful it is to feel understood and supported. I’m committed to building on the Foundation’s momentum and helping more people feel less alone and better supported.”

Dr. Vincent Martin NHF Board President, added, “Katy brings a rare blend of strategic thinking, leadership experience, and lived insight. I’m excited to collaborate with her as we start the Foundation’s next chapter.” 

 Stone, a former NHF Board Member with lived experience of migraine, accepted the CEO position in June 2023 with a clear plan: stabilize and position the Foundation for its next phase of growth, and identify a long-term leader. Over the past two years, she has successfully done just that.

“Susan’s leadership has been exceptional,” said Martin. “She has helped the National Headache Foundation grow into a more dynamic, inclusive, and nationally recognized organization. We are grateful that she will continue to support our mission as a Strategic Advisor after the transition.” 

As part of this transition, NHF is also announcing an opening for the Director of Programs and Partnerships position, which Oakley currently holds. This Chicago-based role is responsible for developing national programs and managing cross-sector partnerships to support those living with headache and migraine disease.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at https://bit.ly/NHFAssociateDirector

About National Headache Foundation

For more than 50 years the National Headache Foundation has been dedicated to creating a future where everyone in the world with headache can thrive in optimal, functional and connected lives.

NHF understands that headache and migraine disease is still largely misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and undertreated.  Additionally, the personal and societal burdens of pain, disability, diminished quality of life and financial cost is under-recognized.  We are honored to have individuals with headache, their care partners, families, healthcare practitioners, and health policy decision makers on this journey, as there is so much we will do together to make a difference.  

The National Headache Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. For more information , please visit www.headaches.org.

Media inquiries can be directed to Zack Figliuolo at https://headaches.org/media-inquiry/