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 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 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 neurodegenerative diseases and clinical 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 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 Maddie Adams, our dynamic Volunteer Engagement and Operations Coordinator at Mission MSA. Since joining in October 2023, Maddie has excelled as the primary liaison for volunteers and the broader MSA community. Her keen eye for detail is evident in matching individuals with impactful information, managing the MSA Connect platform, and fostering a positive online community. Beyond administrative prowess, Maddie passionately facilitates awareness activities, supports volunteer groups, and coordinates events celebrating contributions. Through fostering engagement and collaboration across the organization, Maddie is committed to our collective mission of overcoming 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 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.
