National Multiple Sclerosis Society Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

National Multiple Sclerosis Society has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, technology, finance, operations, legal, administration, regional management, marketing, and organizational leadership.

Committed to advancing research and patient support, National Multiple Sclerosis Society drives global progress in disease management while fostering community connections to improve quality of life for those affected by multiple sclerosis.

Leadership Roles at National Multiple Sclerosis Society

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Lisa Gerrol
  • Chief Financial Officer - Cindy Bertrando
  • Executive Assistant to President - Rhonda Richardson
  • Chapter President - Nicholas Mageras
  • Chapter President - Sharon Grossman
  • President - DeAndra Stanley
  • Chief Information Officer - Sharay Erskine
  • Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff - Maura Burns
  • Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary - Paul Zimmerman
  • Chief Marketing & Communications Officer - Francesco Flaviis
  • Lisa Gerrol - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Lisa Gerrol, the President & Chief Executive Officer at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, directs the overarching strategic vision for the organization. Overseeing the mobilization of resources, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that research funding remains the cornerstone of the mission. This leadership role involves coordinating with medical institutions to accelerate the discovery of new treatments while expanding the reach of support services across North American markets. By aligning the board of directors with long-term goals, Lisa Gerrol secures the necessary capital to sustain clinical trials and basic science investigations. The President & Chief Executive Officer maintains a focus on improving patient outcomes through innovative therapeutic approaches. Through rigorous oversight of organizational performance, Gerrol guarantees that the Society meets the diverse needs of the MS community while maintaining operational excellence and fiscal responsibility in every initiative.
    Lisa Gerrol

    Cindy Bertrando - Chief Financial Officer

    Cindy Bertrando, the Chief Financial Officer at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, manages the fiscal health and resource allocation for the entire nonprofit enterprise. Overseeing the financial planning and analysis, the Chief Financial Officer ensures that investment in research and clinical trials remains consistent with the organization's long-term mission. This leadership role involves monitoring revenue streams from community events and donor contributions to maximize the impact of support services. By maintaining rigorous financial controls, Cindy Bertrando supports the expansion of educational resources and practical assistance programs. The Chief Financial Officer coordinates with the board to ensure transparency and accountability in all budgetary decisions. Through strategic financial management, Bertrando enables the Society to sustain its commitment to basic science investigations and patient care initiatives. This role provides the necessary capital stability to drive meaningful progress in disease management and improve the quality of life for individuals living with multiple sclerosis.

    Rhonda Richardson - Executive Assistant to President

    Rhonda Richardson, the Executive Assistant to President at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, coordinates the administrative functions that support the executive office. Overseeing the scheduling and communication flow for the President, the Executive Assistant to President ensures that leadership remains focused on the organization's strategic goals. This leadership role involves managing high-level interactions with stakeholders, researchers, and community partners. By organizing critical meetings and documentation, Rhonda Richardson facilitates the decision-making processes that drive research funding and patient support initiatives. The Executive Assistant to President maintains the operational rhythm of the executive team, ensuring that all departments remain aligned with the Society's mission. Through efficient administrative support, Richardson enables the leadership to dedicate time to the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. This role is essential for maintaining the organizational cohesion required to advance the boundaries of MS treatment possibilities and improve patient outcomes.

    Nicholas Mageras - Chapter President

    Nicholas Mageras, the Chapter President at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, directs regional operations and community engagement efforts. Overseeing the delivery of local support services, the Chapter President ensures that individuals affected by multiple sclerosis receive practical assistance and counseling. This leadership role involves managing peer support groups and community events that foster connection among patients and caregivers. By mobilizing local resources, Nicholas Mageras expands the reach of the Society's educational programs within the assigned territory. The Chapter President collaborates with healthcare professionals to ensure that comprehensive care extends beyond medical intervention. Through active community involvement, Mageras strengthens the network of support available to families navigating their diagnosis. This role is vital for translating the national mission into tangible, localized impact, ensuring that the Society's commitment to improving quality of life is felt directly by those living with the disease in the region.

    Sharon Grossman - Chapter President

    Sharon Grossman, the Chapter President at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, architects the implementation of regional programs designed to support the MS community. Overseeing the coordination of local educational workshops and peer support networks, the Chapter President ensures that the Society's services meet the specific needs of the local population. This leadership role involves building partnerships with regional medical institutions to facilitate access to care and treatment options. By managing community events, Sharon Grossman fosters a sense of connection among patients and caregivers, recognizing that comprehensive care requires strong social support. The Chapter President monitors the effectiveness of local initiatives and reports findings to the national office to ensure alignment with the broader mission. Through dedicated regional leadership, Grossman drives the Society's goal of improving the quality of life for those living with multiple sclerosis, ensuring that support is accessible and impactful.

    DeAndra Stanley - President

    DeAndra Stanley, the President at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, leads the strategic development of specialized programs focused on patient advocacy and disease management. Overseeing the expansion of direct support initiatives, the President ensures that the organization effectively connects individuals with necessary counseling and practical assistance. This leadership role involves working with the board to prioritize research funding and clinical trial support. By fostering relationships with healthcare professionals, DeAndra Stanley enhances the quality of care provided to the MS community. The President manages the operational scale of these programs to ensure that the Society's resources are utilized efficiently to meet the diverse needs of patients and their families. Through visionary leadership, Stanley drives the organization's commitment to scientific advancement and patient outcomes. This role is critical for maintaining the Society's position as a leader in the fight against multiple sclerosis, ensuring that every initiative contributes to meaningful progress.

    Sharay Erskine - Chief Information Officer

    Sharay Erskine, the Chief Information Officer at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, architects the digital infrastructure required to support the organization's extensive network of programs. Managing data security and information systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that educational resources and counseling services remain accessible to patients and caregivers. This leadership role involves implementing advanced technology solutions that facilitate peer support groups and community events across the country. By optimizing digital platforms, Sharay Erskine directly impacts the efficiency of the Society's outreach efforts. The Chief Information Officer collaborates with research teams to manage large-scale datasets, enabling deeper insights into disease mechanisms. Through the deployment of robust software, Erskine supports the organization's commitment to scientific advancement and patient connectivity. This technical leadership ensures that the Society remains at the forefront of digital health engagement while protecting sensitive information for all members of the MS community.

    Maura Burns - Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff

    Maura Burns, the Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, executes the operational priorities set by the executive leadership team. Overseeing internal communications and cross-departmental alignment, the Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff ensures that the organization's mission remains central to all daily activities. This leadership role involves managing the flow of information between the board and the various departments responsible for research and patient support. By streamlining administrative processes, Maura Burns enhances the efficiency of the Society's outreach and educational initiatives. The Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff facilitates collaboration among medical professionals and support staff to ensure comprehensive care delivery. Through meticulous project management, Burns supports the organization's goal of accelerating treatment discovery. This role provides the structural foundation necessary for the Society to maintain its extensive network of programs and services for the MS community.
    Paul Zimmerman, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, directs all legal affairs and corporate governance for the organization. Overseeing compliance with nonprofit regulations, the Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary ensures that all research partnerships and clinical trial agreements meet the highest ethical standards. This leadership role involves managing intellectual property and contractual obligations related to the discovery of new treatments. By providing legal guidance to the board, Paul Zimmerman protects the Society's interests while fostering collaboration with leading medical institutions. The Chief Legal Officer & Corporate Secretary maintains the integrity of the organization's governance structure, ensuring that all activities align with the core mission of supporting the MS community. Through proactive risk management, Zimmerman secures the legal framework necessary for the Society to continue its scientific investigations and patient advocacy efforts across the country.

    Francesco Flaviis - Chief Marketing & Communications Officer

    Francesco Flaviis, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer at National Multiple Sclerosis Society, directs the brand strategy and public awareness campaigns for the organization. Overseeing the dissemination of educational resources, the Chief Marketing & Communications Officer ensures that the MS community remains informed about the latest research and treatment options. This leadership role involves managing digital and traditional media channels to foster connection among patients, caregivers, and the public. By crafting compelling narratives, Francesco Flaviis drives engagement and support for the Society's fundraising and advocacy efforts. The Chief Marketing & Communications Officer collaborates with research teams to translate complex scientific findings into accessible information for the broader community. Through strategic communication, Flaviis amplifies the impact of the Society's mission, ensuring that the organization's commitment to scientific advancement and patient care is recognized and supported by a wide audience.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding National Multiple Sclerosis Society Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads National Multiple Sclerosis Society?
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society is led by Lisa Gerrol (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Cindy Bertrando (Chief Financial Officer) and Rhonda Richardson (Executive Assistant to President).
    Who is part of National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s executive team?
    The executive team of National Multiple Sclerosis Society includes leaders such as Lisa Gerrol (President & Chief Executive Officer), Cindy Bertrando (Chief Financial Officer), Rhonda Richardson (Executive Assistant to President) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does National Multiple Sclerosis Society have?
    National Multiple Sclerosis Society has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of National Multiple Sclerosis Society includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Executive Assistant to President, Chapter President, Chapter President.