About us
We Are Renegades
The Executive Director and Founder of Rare Disease Renegades. Billy was inspired to start a nonprofit with his wife, Michelle, after their son was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. He is currently a stay-at-home Dad and lives in Massachusetts with his wife and three kids.
William “Billy” Lester
Michelle is the mother of a child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. She founded the Rare Disease Renegades with her husband, Billy, to accelerate science. She is the CEO at Alltrna and CEO/Partner at Flagship Pioneering.
Michelle Werner
Joelle is a founding Director of Rare Disease Renegades. She is committed to helping find a cure for a rare disease her nephew has. She is the Executive Director at the Public Health Law Center. Joelle is a respected national leader in commercial tobacco control law and policy. She lives in Minnesota with her two kids.
Joelle Lester
Andrew is a founding Director of Rare Disease Renegades. He is the Vice President North America Medical, Oncology at Pfizer. He has 20 years of pharmaceutical industry experience in oncology and has an established track record of successful launches of global brands and disease awareness campaigns. He lives in New York with his husband and three kids.
Dr. Andrew Coop
Colleen is a founding Director of Rare Disease Renegades. She is the Chief Operating Officer at Innocoll Biotherapeutics. She is an accounting & finance executive with 20+ years of progressive experience serving the pharma industry. Colleen lives in New Jersey.
Colleen Proctor
Nancy is a 24 year veteran of the Marketing Industry. She is currently the CEO of TBWA\Chiat\Day NY, an advertising agency based in NY. During the course of her career Nancy has specialized in partnering with dozens of companies to develop their brands, create meaningful relationship with their consumers/customers and ultimately drive a more purposeful and profitable future. She lives in New Jersey with her husband and two kids.
