Newly Elected MSAA Board Chairperson Joseph R. King Has High Hopes for the Future
Joseph R. King was officially named as chairperson of MSAA's Board of Directors on June 4, 2004. A consultant to Verizon Communications, as well as founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of the Narragansett Group, Inc. (a corporation that serves nonprofit organizations), Mr. King states that he is "humbled and honored" to be given this opportunity to serve the MS community.
Mr. King is enthusiastic about his new role and has high hopes about what MSAA may achieve over the next two years while he fulfills his duties. "I want people to know how much we really care about those affected by this difficult disease. We're not here for the recognition, but rather to provide much-needed help to individuals with MS, their care partners, and their families."
Mr. King was first invited to be on MSAA's Board three years ago and was named as Board secretary the following year. He served a two-year term before being elected as Board chairperson this past June.
With more than 30 years of leadership experience working with nonprofit organizations, including the United States Olympic Committee, Boy Scouts of America, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Youth for Understanding, American Heart Association, Arthritis Foundation, and Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Mr. King is well-versed in nonprofit management, public affairs, and fundraising. He has also served on the Board for the Jesse Owens Foundation and the Board for the National Federation of Nonprofits.
"In the coming years, I would like to see greater awareness of MS, our organization, and what we can do for every family affected by MS," Mr. King points out. "Presently, our staff in the client services department at MSAA's home office, along with those at our regional offices, is doing a wonderful job of advocating for individuals with MS. One of my primary objectives while serving as chairperson is to propose that we build onto this vital service and advocate as an organization on local, state, and national levels. I am hopeful that this awareness may expand to the point that individuals with MS will not be faced with as many obstacles on an individual basis, because MSAA will have been able to remove what stands in the way of those in the MS community.
"Another objective is to get more people involved," Mr. King continues. "I want to reach out to local, state, and national leaders, in business and in government, to let them know that we can use their assistance with helping to fulfill MSAA's mission of easing the day-to-day challenges of MS. I'm looking for leaders to find a way to make a contribution of time, talent, or resources at any level in support of MSAA. We need to extend the opportunity for more people to take part through volunteerism and we welcome their partnership.
"Additionally, MSAA's public awareness campaigns (which include press releases, public events, publications, and our newly redesigned website), provide valuable information to both members of the MS community as well as the general public. Through this awareness, we can continue to promote greater participation from our volunteers and donors who, along with our staff, are the strength of our organization."
Everyone at MSAA welcomes Joe to his new position and looks forward to his input and support for the future of our organization and the people MSAA serves. For more information about Joe King, please go to MSAA's website at www.msaa.com and click on the corresponding title listed under "Recent News."
