Up Front
Spring is a time of renewal and growth. With this in mind, it is fitting that during the months of April, May, and June, MSAA is involved with several exciting events that serve to commemorate, communicate, and plan for the future.
Highlighting MSAA's yearlong recognition of its 35 years of service is MSAA's 35th Anniversary dinner. This is taking place in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 19th and raises funds for MSAA.
MSAA will highlight the contribution made by Dr. Jack Burks, MSAA's vice president and chief medical officer, who has dedicated himself to the care, treatment, and quality of life for individuals diagnosed with MS. Since the time that I arrived at MSAA in 1999, Dr. Burks has been a source of strength and support, as well as a valued professional colleague. MSAA owes much to the time, expertise, and credibility that he has brought to the organization.
Moving on to other events, the annual meeting of the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) was held in Miami, Florida in mid-April. We take part in this conference to learn about the latest findings in research and treatments, and interface with representatives of the different pharmaceutical and other medical companies. Each year we receive many visitors at our MSAA booth in the exhibit hall.
The annual meeting of the Consortium of MS Centers (CMSC) will be held in early June in Orlando, Florida. This meeting provides the opportunity to speak with doctors, nurses, therapists, social workers, and researchers, all of whom specialize in the MS field. During this conference, an emphasis is placed on day-to-day living, quality-of-life issues, emotional health, family wellness, and specific client needs.
Our MSAA Board of Directors will also meet during this conference. This year concludes our previous five-year strategic plan, with all of our goals having been met - and many exceeded. Before a new plan is put into place, MSAA will focus on evaluating needs and services.
Robert Rapp, MSAA's vice president for programs and services, is overseeing two projects with this goal in mind. The first project is a comprehensive assessment of the needs of MS clients and the community. The second project is aimed at evaluating the success of our current programs and services. These projects are particularly important because we have a responsibility not only to the people we serve, but also to our donors, to ensure that money is being spent in the most effective ways possible.
I hope that everyone is enjoying the spring season and finding an opportunity for growth and renewal. Beginning in this issue we will highlight our Board members, starting with our wonderful treasurer: Francisco "Pancho" Ramirez.
Douglas G. Franklin has been President and Chief Executive Officer of MSAA since April 1999. Mr. Franklin has 25 years experience in senior association management in the nonprofit sector and is an internationally published expert in the field of social marketing. A former national trainer for the Peter Drucker Foundation, Mr. Franklin has conducted workshops in strategic planning and marketing development in more than 15 countries worldwide. He is a firm believer in the benefits of social investment for both the private and public sector workplaces.
MSAA Board Member and Treasurer, Francisco J. Ramirez
Francisco J. Ramirez joined MSAA's Board of Directors in October, 2001. Known to everyone as "Pancho," Mr. Ramirez went on to become the Board's treasurer in May, 2002, and also serves as head of the Board's audit committee.
Mr. Ramirez came to MSAA with an extraordinary background. Born in Chile (and now a United States' citizen), he attended two universities in his home country, where he studied subjects from business to medicine. He is also fluent or has a working knowledge of five languages.
His job history is very impressive, holding top executive positions with large nonprofit agencies. These include the International Planned Parenthood Federation, the International Youth Foundation, and the Rural School and Community Trust, where Mr. Ramirez now works as the director of finance and administration/chief financial officer.
Mr. Ramirez is affiliated with several financial and nonprofit organizations, including the Ethics and Standards Committee of the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations (with over 1,300 members), where he has served as both a member and director. This is one of the top organizations in the country for developing standards for nonprofit organizations - and Mr. Ramirez has been able to incorporate these high standards into MSAA's work.
According to Mr. Ramirez, "Belonging to this other organization has given me access to the 'best in the business' in relation to standards. With this background and with the support and commitment to high standards from both MSAA's Board and staff, I have been able to develop several policies that have been adopted and implemented by MSAA in the last few years. For example, the Ethical Standards and Whistle-Blower Protection Policies, Fundraising Standards, Document Retention Policies, Salary Administration Program, Conflict of Interest Policies and Annual Disclosure, and Terms of Reference of the Audit Committee."
Through his efforts, MSAA is constantly improving its policies and procedures, in full compliance with the best practices, which are not yet mandatory for nonprofits. Mr. Ramirez has taken MSAA to new levels of performance, and we are extremely fortunate to have his valuable guidance. Everyone affiliated with MSAA is grateful to Mr. Ramirez and others like him, who have volunteered their time to help MSAA provide vital assistance to others.
