MDA Advocates celebrate monumental air travel announcement! Learn more about this landmark proposal.

About Us

Our mission is to empower people living with neuromuscular diseases to live longer, more independent lives.

MDA Leadership

Meet the passionate staff and Board who lead MDA’s efforts to serve families living with muscular dystrophy, ALS and related neuromuscular diseases through innovations in science and care.

Executive Leadership

President and Chief Executive Officer
Donald S. Wood, Ph.D.

Chief Research Officer
Sharon Hesterlee, Ph.D.

Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer
Michael J. Kennedy, MBA, CPA

Vice President, Healthcare Services
Nora Capocci

Vice President, Community Engagement
Alicia Dobosz

Vice President, Human Resources & Volunteers
Peri Gondim

Vice President, General Counsel
Henry Lanman

Vice President, Public Policy & Advocacy
Paul Melmeyer

Chief Marketing Officer
Morgan Roth

Board of Directors

Governor Brad Henry
Chairman

Christopher Rosa, Ph.D.
Vice Chairman

Anjan Aralihalli
Director

John R. Costantino, Esq.
Director

Benjamin Cumbo, III
Director

Dan Fries
Director

Steve Furnary
Director

Jennifer Gottlieb
Director

John Howell
Director

Nancy Kindelan
Director

Louis Kunkel, Ph.D.
Director

Elizabeth McNally, MD, Ph.D.
Director

Hon. Robert Pipia
Director

Matt Plummer
Director

Mike Rowlett
Director

Charles D. Schoor, Esq.
Director

Marshall ("Mark") Smith, NACD.DC
Director

Eugene Williams
Director

Lilian Wu, Ph.D.
Director