Cyndi Zagieboylo: Let's Keep in Touch

About Momentum Magazine

June 17, 2024

A notecard sticks out of a pink envelope. It reads "A note from the president & CEO." — Image: iStock

achieve MS cures as quickly as possible. We lead the International Progressive MS Alliance. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can truly represent their genuine selves (diversity), access necessary support (equity) and be embraced for their identities, finding a sense of belonging (inclusion) with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.The next Society CEO faces unique challenges and opportunities to build on advancements made and to continue to expand the MS movement with the fiscal year 2025–27 Strategic Plan, a solid blueprint to ensure forward progress.As my final Momentum Forward, I invite you to send your well wishes and support for our next CEO, in care of Cyndi@nmss.org.And one last time, I’ll say, “Let’s keep in touch.” Together is the only way forward.Cyndi Zagieboylo
President & CEO
National MS Society" c-nmssatomrichtext_nmssatomrichtext-host="">

Striving for a world free of multiple sclerosis has been my life’s work. After 39 years with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, including 13 years as president and CEO, I am retiring in July. We have made a lot of progress during my tenure, built on the progress of those before.I consider myself to be an astute observer of leadership, and I had the amazing opportunity to observe every CEO in the history of the Society.I knew Sylvia Lawry, our founder. After she “retired,” she remained active until her death in 2001. This organization is rich with her history. She had amazing passion and focus that came from the love she felt for her brother, Bernard — the reason for her life’s work. Ms. Lawry was absolutely clear about the vision of a world free of MS. She plotted and planned strategically, anticipating obstacles and plowing forward with conviction. She engaged and inspired people to join her, and many did. At the age of 26, she started our national organization focusing on understanding MS and finding answers. She advocated for the expansion of the National Institutes of Health, and the National Institute of Stroke and Neurological Diseases was formed. She launched the MS International Federation, and countries throughout the world claim Sylvia Lawry as their inspiration and founder. She was the most passionate person I have ever met, desperate to find a cure.The late Adm. Thor Hanson was the first leader with the title of CEO. He joined the Society in 1982. He left us a legacy of innovation and risk taking, especially in the arena of peer-to-peer fundraising events. We have decades of successful Walk MS and Bike MS events throughout the country that were launched during his tenure.Gen. Mike Dugan took the reins in 1992, focusing on metrics to mark effectiveness and progress. He ensured effective tools, systems and infrastructure. He got the organization ready to launch what is now called our MS Navigator service. I remember him declaring that “every staff person will have a computer on their desk.” During his tenure, the first disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) became available.I worked most closely with Joyce Nelson, the first to come up through the ranks to become CEO in 2004. Joyce was accessible and approachable. She showcased storytelling and provided inspirational leadership. Joyce led the work to “brand” the National MS Society — the color change to orange was a small, albeit visible, shift. Most important, she led the adoption of our commitment to authenticity. We center everything we do on real people who are affected by MS, representing themselves and highlighting their unique MS journeys.Starting as CEO in 2011, I did my best to build on the progress of those before. Today, we work together as one unified organization. We provide important global leadership to achieve MS cures as quickly as possible. We lead the International Progressive MS Alliance. We are committed to ensuring that everyone can truly represent their genuine selves (diversity), access necessary support (equity) and be embraced for their identities, finding a sense of belonging (inclusion) with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.The next Society CEO faces unique challenges and opportunities to build on advancements made and to continue to expand the MS movement with the fiscal year 2025–27 Strategic Plan, a solid blueprint to ensure forward progress.As my final Momentum Forward, I invite you to send your well wishes and support for our next CEO, in care of Cyndi@nmss.org.And one last time, I’ll say, “Let’s keep in touch.” Together is the only way forward.Cyndi Zagieboylo
President & CEO
National MS Society

Articles by Category

Latest Issues

Summer 2025

Spring 2025

Cover of Momentum Magazine, Winter 2024-25 issue

Winter 2024–2025

Fall 2024

A Message From Cyndi Zagieboylo: Let's Keep in Touch

Articles by Category

Featured Articles

Learn More About User Research

6 Ways to Navigate Your Health Insurance with MS

Latest Issues