Multiple Sclerosis Association of America Appoints New President & CEO
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) announced today that Gina Ross Murdoch has joined the organization as President & CEO. Ms. Murdoch will lead MSAA in all areas including strategic growth, programmatic expansion, and corporate development efforts. Ms. Murdoch brings extensive nonprofit experience, including fundraising expertise, program development, as well as strategic planning, and will continue to advance MSAA’s mission of improving lives today.
Gina Ross Murdoch
MSAA President & CEO
Ms. Murdoch most recently served as Deputy Executive Director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s (LLS) New Jersey Chapter and was responsible for corporate relationship-building, donor development, and support of blood cancer patients. Previously, Ms. Murdoch served as Executive Director of the American Diabetes Association’s Greater New York City market and Executive Vice President of Development for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s (NMSS) New Jersey Metro Chapter. At NMSS, Ms. Murdoch successfully led strategic growth initiatives, substantially increased event-based income, and generated significant corporate support.
MSAA’s Chairman of the Board of Directors James Anderson said, “We are very excited to have Gina Murdoch join MSAA as its new President & CEO. Her experience in past leadership roles coupled with her enthusiasm for MSAA’s mission are critical to its continuing success, and we are so fortunate to have found such a passionate and visionary leader.”
Ms. Murdoch is committed to serving the MS community and is excited to bring her expertise to a cause that affects so many individuals. Ms. Murdoch adds, “I am thrilled and honored to be joining the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America in this role. MSAA has demonstrated a nationwide singular focus in identifying the needs of those affected by MS, being proactive in addressing those needs and taking a leadership role in building coalitions aimed at improving lives. I am looking forward to working with the board, staff, clients and partners to expand our reach and increase our impact.”
MSAA’s former President & CEO Douglas Franklin recently retired after leading the organization for 16 years – helping tens of thousands of people affected by MS each year through MSAA’s programs and services. His retirement follows two years of thoughtful planning for this transition and working with the Board of Directors and executive staff to conduct an extensive search for his replacement. Mr. Franklin also served as President of the Multiple Sclerosis Coalition for nine years.
For more information, please contact Andrea L. Griffin, vice president of communications & marketing at (800) 532-7667, extension 123, or via email at agriffin@mymsaa.org.
About MSAA
The Multiple Sclerosis Association of America (MSAA) is a national nonprofit organization and leading resource for the entire MS community, improving lives today through vital services and support. MSAA provides free programs and services, such as: a Helpline with trained specialists; award-winning publications, including MSAA’s magazine, The Motivator; MSAA’s nationally recognized website (at mymsaa.org), featuring award-winning educational videos and research updates; S.E.A.R.C.H.™ program to assist the MS community with learning about different treatment choices; a mobile phone app, My MS Manager™ (named one of the best multiple sclerosis iPhone & Android apps by Healthline.com); a resource database, My MS Resource Locator®; safety and mobility equipment distribution; cooling accessories for heat-sensitive individuals; educational events held across the country; MRI funding; and more. For additional information, please visit www.mymsaa.org or call (800) 532-7667.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord. MS damages or destroys the protective covering (known as myelin) surrounding the nerves of the CNS, and can potentially injure the nerves as well. This damage causes reduced communication between the brain and nerve pathways. Common MS symptoms include visual problems, overwhelming fatigue, difficulty with balance and coordination, and various levels of impaired mobility. Many experts estimate that 2.5 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with this disease, and most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 50. MS is not contagious and researchers continue to look for both a cause and a cure.
