The European Congenital Heart Disease Organisation announces a leadership transition and welcomes Katarina Stano as its new President. She is stepping into this role following Karen Tomlin, with the full trust of the Board and a commitment to continue building on the work and momentum ECHDO has gained over the past year.
Katarina brings a strong combination of professional and lived experience to the role. A former journalist and foreign correspondent, she has reported on EU politics and international affairs, translating complex systems into clear, human stories. Today, she applies that same clarity to patient advocacy.
She is also a mother to a child with a single ventricle heart — a journey that began with a diagnosis in Lebanon and continued through care in Belgium and Slovakia. Along the way, through both her international life and network, she has gained a valuable insight into how differently healthcare systems function across Europe, including in Slovenia, Croatia, and the wider South-East region.
Katarina joined ECHDO representing the Slovak Foundation of the Children’s Cardiac Centre and contributed as a Board Member leading advocacy efforts. In parallel, she founded a civic association, Little cardiacs, in Slovakia for single ventricle patients and their families, and is organising the country’s first nationwide Patients’ Day, bringing together families, pediatric and adult patients, clinicians, and experts in one space.
“I am proud and deeply honoured to take on this role at ECHDO and grateful for the trust placed in me. I want to sincerely thank Karen for her dedication, leadership, and everything she has given to ECHDO — and to wish her well in what comes next. I remain committed to continuing our shared mission: strengthening patient voices, supporting our members, pushing for better standards of care across Europe, and ensuring no one navigating congenital heart disease in Europe feels alone.”
With this transition, ECHDO continues forward — grounded in real stories, strong partnerships, and a clear goal: ensuring that the voices of patients and families across Europe remain heard, visible, and impactful.
-
End
