David Elin Joins Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors

Sepsis Alliance, the leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to saving lives and reducing suffering by improving sepsis awareness and care, today announced that David Elin has joined its Board of Directors.

Elin is a national leader in patient advocacy and public policy, bringing more than two decades of experience advancing mission-driven initiatives. He currently serves as Senior Director of Advocacy and Government Affairs at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, where he leads federal, state, and grassroots strategies to strengthen research investment, expand access to care, and mobilize a nationwide community of advocates.

“David brings a rare combination of policy expertise, advocacy leadership, and deep commitment to patient-centered change,” said Thomas Heymann, Sepsis Alliance President and CEO. “His ability to build coalitions, navigate complex policy environments, and elevate the patient voice will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission and drive meaningful progress in sepsis awareness, prevention, and care.”

Elin began his career as a frontline social worker, working directly with children and families navigating complex challenges, an experience that continues to shape his approach to advocacy and reinforces his commitment to ensuring lived experiences inform decision-making at every level. He later held a national nonprofit fundraising role, where he led large-scale campaigns and developed a strong foundation in strategic prioritization and resource stewardship.

In his current role, Elin partners with policymakers, patient organizations, and industry stakeholders to advance bipartisan solutions. His work has helped secure sustained federal support for biomedical research, elevate the patient voice in national policy discussions, and build coalitions to address critical healthcare challenges, including antimicrobial resistance and access to innovative therapies and affordable coverage.

“Sepsis is a critical and often underrecognized public health challenge, and I am honored to join the Sepsis Alliance Board of Directors,” said Elin. “I look forward to working alongside this dedicated community to advance policies and partnerships that improve awareness, accelerate early recognition, and ensure better outcomes for patients and families.”

Elin is known for his collaborative leadership style, strategic mindset, and ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable strategies. His mission-first approach, grounded in both data and lived experience, will further strengthen Sepsis Alliance’s efforts to advocate for patients and drive systemic change.

Learn more about David Elin here.

Learn more about Sepsis Alliance Voices and our advocacy work at SepsisVoices.org.