Normally this space is filled with the wise words of my colleague, former National Multiple Sclerosis Society President and CEO Cyndi Zagieboylo, whom I hope is settling into retired life and reading this while sitting on a beach holding her granddaughter.As the husband of someone with multiple sclerosis, father of 2 wonderful children who were raised with MS ever lurking, and chair of the Society’s National Board of Directors, I want to take this opportunity to thank Cyndi — and all of you. Thanks to the dedication of so many, we’ve made incredible progress.When the love of my life, Andy, was diagnosed with MS in 1991, we had zero approved medications to treat MS. Today, we have more than 20. I’ve been involved with this organization for more than 3 decades now. My family has participated in Walk MS, Bike MS and leadership events. Andy leads her own fundraisers.I fell in love with the Society and the passion of everybody I met. I promised I’d do everything I could to make life better for Andy and others like her. Andy’s symptoms eventually progressed, and today she lives with secondary progressive MS. She now uses a walker to move around at home and a scooter when we go out. But her positive attitude astounds me daily.When Andy was diagnosed, cures weren’t something we even discussed. Today, it’s at the heart of our mission, and delivering on this is one of the 3 central impact areas in the Society’s Fiscal Year 2025–27 Strategic Plan.It’s been my honor to serve as chair for almost 2 years and to lead the search for the Society’s next president and CEO. After a robust search process that ended in mid-July, Tim Coetzee, PhD, was the clear choice to create positive change and move our Society forward. He has already hit the ground in a full sprint. Tim brings an incredible dedication to this movement and 24 years of broad experience with the Society, most recently serving as chief advocacy, services and science officer.Tim has been instrumental in raising the Society’s research program to a whole new level. He forged a powerful global collaboration with international MS Societies and scientific leaders that led to the formation of the International Progressive MS Alliance. He worked to expand and diversify our revenue and has been directly involved in securing more than $50 million in major gifts for research and services.Tim took on an expanded role in 2013, and integrated the advocacy, services and research departments to create a unified approach to mission delivery. Throughout his career, Tim has been an influential and respected voice in MS and health advocacy.I want to assure you that while the Society’s leadership is changing, our mission is not. We will cure MS while empowering people affected by MS to live their best lives.While I’m passionate about speeding cures — and especially stopping MS progression — I’m equally passionate about helping people live their best lives today. I know what it feels like when a loved one struggles to get an MS diagnosis. I know how it feels to have more questions than answers. I know the agony of watching someone you love face the uncertainty of this cruel disease.I can say with confidence that my optimism in the MS movement isn’t false hope. We’ve made incredible progress, and we’re not done yet.I’m excited for Tim to bring his transformative leadership to drive us into our next era. I look forward to seeing this space filled with Tim’s words soon.— Peter PorrinoChairman, National Board of Directors
