Team Gleason Foundation announced that Blair Casey is named chief executive officer, and David Darragh is chief strategy officer.
Blair’s journey with Team Gleason began in 2012, when he became a caretaker for Steve Gleason following Steve’s ALS diagnosis. What started as a deeply personal role quickly evolved into a lifelong mission. Over the past 13 years, Blair has grown alongside the foundation, beginning as a technology associate and steadily expanding his responsibilities. He has played a role in leading efforts in finance, program services, partnerships, and innovation, and most recently served as executive director.
“Blair has been with us since the early days of our journey with ALS,” said Steve Gleason, founder of Team Gleason. “He embodies the heart, commitment, and bold vision that drive everything we do for people living with this disease. His path from caretaker to CEO is not just a professional journey—it’s a story of purpose, loyalty, and an unwavering belief in improving lives. As we enter this new chapter of Team Gleason’s leadership, I’m eager to see how we can continue to innovate and collaborate—both internally and externally—to better understand, support, and empower individuals and families navigating ALS.”
Also stepping into a key leadership role is David Darragh, who now serves as chief strategy officer. Since joining Team Gleason as managing director, David has led partnerships such a collaboration with Ochsner. Under his leadership, the foundation more than doubled in size over the past three years, significantly increased fundraising, and secured vital federal and state funding to expand its programs on a national scale.