learning center
Staff
Our Mission MSA staff is a dedicated team driving progress in multiple system atrophy. From cutting-edge research and medical education to strategic fundraising, seamless operations, and impactful marketing, they unite to support those affected, fostering hope, and advancing understanding.
Meet Joe, Chief Executive Officer of Mission MSA. Joe has served as CEO since joining the organization in 2022. As CEO, Joe leads the organization’s operations, strategy, and partnerships to advance the organization’s mission and vision. Joe is an active advocate and spokesperson for those affected by MSA and is driven to support the current and future needs of patients, care partners, community members, healthcare professionals, and aligned organizations. Before joining the Mission MSA team, Joe was Executive Director for the International Transplant Nurses Society and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine and has held leadership roles with the National Association of Neonatal Nurses and the American Staffing Association. An organizational and governance enthusiast, Joe is an active volunteer leader within the nonprofit and association industry. Joe is a Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) alumnus, a Forty Under 40 Award recipient from Association Forum, and earned his Certified Association Executive (CAE) in 2018.
Meet our Director of Development, Elizabeth Turcza! A career business and nonprofit development professional, Elizabeth joined Mission MSA in April 2022 with a focus on growing Mission MSA’s donor audience, championing its existing supporters, and building out a corporate partnership program. During Elizabeth’s time with Mission MSA, she’s grown the Circle of Hope end of year fundraising campaign, developed “Clinical Trial Round Up” showcases with pharma partners, and enjoyed getting to know donors, companies, and organizations both big and small that contribute to Mission MSA’s ability to do its valuable work. A proponent of communication, collaboration, and connection, Elizabeth sees every day as a day closer to curing MSA.
Meet Jessie, our Research and Medical Education Manager, who is dedicated to cultivating collaborative research efforts and elevating standards of care for those affected by multiple system atrophy. With a background in biomedical neuroscience and neurodegenerative clinical/translational research, Jessie brings a unique blend of scientific expertise and compassion to Mission MSA. Joining the organization in June 2023 with a commitment to making a meaningful impact, Jessie leads initiatives such as the MSA Centers of Excellence, aiming to bridge the gap between science and patient care. Her responsibilities include overseeing educational programs, collaborating with medical professionals, and facilitating research projects aimed at improving the lives of individuals with MSA. Jessie is driven by a passion for empowering both patients and professionals by providing resources to enhance understanding and collaborative care. Through her efforts, Jessie strives to ensure Mission MSA remains at the forefront of advancements in research, education, advocacy, and support.
Meet our Community Engagement Manager, Casie, who is a dedicated advocate committed to fostering a sense of community and support for those affected by MSA. Joining us as a coordinator in January 2022 and quickly assuming her current role, Casie exemplifies a profound commitment to positively impacting our organization and the wider MSA community. Her swift transition reflects both adaptability and a passionate dedication to enhancing the well-being of those affected by MSA. As the lead of MSA Connect, an innovative online community platform, Casie has successfully created a virtual space that unites individuals facing the challenges of MSA, providing a hub for shared experiences and invaluable support. Her leadership extends to overseeing all educational events and materials, amplifying the mission to empower and inform the MSA community. Casie’s passion lies in fostering meaningful engagement, working to create spaces where those impacted by MSA find solace, knowledge, and a sense of belonging.
Meet Lauren King, our Patient Support Services Manager. Lauren is a social worker who advocates for and assists individuals needing support. Thrilled to be part of our team at Mission MSA, Lauren serves as the primary contact for Mission MSA’s patient support services work, including management of the support line, creation, and maintenance of MSA patient and community focused educational resources, peer support groups, and providing hands-on guidance to help those affected by MSA. Lauren has a passion for supporting patients and their care partners as they navigate their MSA journey.
Meet Ella, our Volunteer Engagement and Operations Coordinator. Ella comes to us with a passion for helping individuals and communities engage with nonprofit work, seeking to help them become champions for the causes that are important to them. Ella is responsible for managing a lot of Mission MSA’s behind-the-scenes processes, engaging with Mission MSA’s community through our email inbox, phone line, MSA Connect, and various other channels. She assists with managing our team of dedicated volunteers, planning and executing events, and carrying out various operational tasks. Ella loves getting to support the incredible community fostered by Mission MSA!
Meet Ella, our Volunteer Engagement and Operations Coordinator. Ella comes to us with a passion for helping individuals and communities engage with nonprofit work, seeking to help them become champions for the causes that are important to them. Ella is responsible for managing a lot of Mission MSA’s behind-the-scenes processes, engaging with Mission MSA’s community through our email inbox, phone line, MSA Connect, and various other channels. She assists with managing our team of dedicated volunteers, planning and executing events, and carrying out various operational tasks. Ella loves getting to support the incredible community fostered by Mission MSA!
Meet Jess Serafini, our dedicated Marketing Manager, who joined the Mission MSA team in August 2023. With a fervent commitment to leveraging social media and email marketing, she plays a pivotal role in advancing our initiatives. Inspired by a commitment to spreading awareness, she passionately champions our cause. Jess’s expertise and dedication contribute to the amplification of our mission, aligning strategies to propel the fight against Multiple System Atrophy. Her drive to empower and unify through innovative campaigns embodies our shared goal of conquering MSA, one step at a time.
Meet Hallie Schoemaker, our Marketing Coordinator at Mission MSA. Hallie joined us with a passion for making a difference and quickly became an integral part of our team. She expertly manages our social media platforms and email marketing campaigns, ensuring our message reaches and resonates with a wide audience. Hallie’s dedication to raising awareness and fostering community engagement is evident in every post and email she creates. Her innovative strategies and unwavering commitment help drive our mission forward, uniting and empowering those affected by multiple system atrophy.
Meet Nicki, our Director of Strategic Initiatives, who is dedicated to making a meaningful impact on the lives of those affected by multiple system atrophy. Since joining our organization in May of 2020, Nicki has been committed to cultivating collaborative research efforts and elevating standards of care for MSA patients. Her leadership extends to overseeing the Research Steering Council, which provides a strategic leadership body for Mission MSA. Nicki leads initiatives such as the MSA small grants program, which finances critically important MSA research leading to the identification of causes, improved diagnostic methods, and more effective symptomatic and disease-modifying treatments, helping to bring us closer to a cure. Nicki’s efforts are aimed at keeping Mission MSA at the forefront of research advancements.
