Our Leadership

Staff Members

Samantha Masterson – President & Chief Executive Officer

Samm comes to the MGFA with more than two decades of non-profit experience, serving in executive leadership roles for healthcare non-profits such as March of Dimes, National Brain Tumor Society, and the American Liver Foundation. She has an extensive background in organizational management, strategic planning, board and volunteer development, and revenue generation that results in growth and impact. As MGFA’s senior executive, Samm is responsible for providing the vision and strategy to fulfill the work identified in the organization’s strategic plan that supports the MGFA’s vision and mission, and to ensure that both the operational and board structures support this work.

Craig Strenger – Vice President, Operations and Strategic Development

Craig joins the MGFA with more than 30 years in the non-profit sector and has served as an executive leader with Muscular Dystrophy Association, American Diabetes Association, and National Brain Tumor Society. Craig is known for his creative and innovative approach and for his keen ability to cultivate teams that are results-oriented and that drive impact. As Vice President of Operations and Strategic Development for the MGFA, he leads all areas of donor stewardship and individual giving, field operations (event fundraising), organizational operations, and corporate engagement.

Michael Antonellis – Vice President, Global Marketing & Communications

Michael brings more than 25 years of marketing and communications experience to the MGFA, serving in impactful leadership positions at healthcare non-profits, high technology corporations, and marketing and public relations agencies including the National Brain Tumor Society, Harte Hanks, Stratus Technologies, VISTAGY (Siemens) and Fleishman Hillard. As Vice President of Global Marketing & Communications for the MGFA, he leads all awareness, communications and promotional marketing campaigns that drive development, programs, research, and patient support initiatives across a wide variety of audiences and channels.

Daryl Lee – National Director of Finance

Daryl comes to the MGFA with a diverse business background. Starting his career as an aerospace engineer, Daryl has transitioned to various finance and leadership roles within the fields of technology, health care and non-profit. He is known for using his team building skills and analysis to support his coworkers throughout the company. His most recent positions were at Providence St. Joseph Healthcare and Working Wardrobes for a New Start. 

Caroline Bowline – National Director, Strategic Impact and Investment

Caroline’s passion is understanding the interests of each individual she works with on a daily basis and learning how best to connect their passions with making a meaningful investment in our mission. She has worked for multiple health-related non-profit organizations, including her most recent role at March of Dimes, and has served as a global health consultant for various international organizations. Caroline has a master’s degree in Global Health Implementation with a focus on reproductive health highlighted through her research work.

Laura Chandler – National Director, Academic Affairs and Research Initiatives

Laura serves the MGFA as its National Director, Academic Affairs and Research Initiatives. After being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 2019, Laura has embarked on a personal and professional mission to better the lives of MG and rare disease patients through advocacy, policy, and research. She has volunteered through advocacy programs and events with the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Disease, Global Genes, and NORD; and currently serves as the Corporate Board Secretary for the Kentucky HOBY Youth Leadership Organization. Since her diagnosis, she has completed graduate certificates in nonprofit management and in population health at the University of Kentucky while in pursuit of her masters degree in healthcare administration. Laura brings more than 10 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, project management, and events production to the MGFA.

Tasha Duncan – National Director, Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement

Tasha brings more than 15 years of non-profit development experience to the MGFA as a multi-faceted fundraising professional. She has served as a frontline fundraiser for two different multi-million-dollar capital campaigns. She brings a wealth of experience in development operations, such as corporate sponsorship support, peer to peer fundraising and event management. Prior to her time at the MGFA, Tasha was the Director of Major Gifts at Lutheran Medical Center – SCL Health, and before that she served as the Director of Regional Development, Southwest for the National Brain Tumor Society. As the National Director of Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement for the MGFA, Tasha will be working directly with donors, volunteers and staff, leading strategic fundraising initiatives throughout the country to support the MGFA’s mission and goals.

Genna Mvalo – National Director, Patient Registry and Industry Affairs

Genna is an accomplished leader who has managed complex projects and worked with diverse local, national, and international organizations. Genna’s professional qualifications include multiple roles with mission-driven nonprofits in the rare disease space.  She served as Community Health Advisor with the United States Peace Corps in Malawi where she was deeply involved in health, well-being, and anti-discrimination services for marginalized community members, particularly women and persons afflicted with HIV. She graduated from Boston University with a Bachelor of Arts in Public Health and Biology. Genna is an enthusiastic leader who has experience advocating for vulnerable populations and facilitating strategic development projects that focus on empowering individuals, groups, and communities.

Kate Stober – National Director, Digital and Content Marketing

Kate helps the MGFA create an impact through thoughtful, audience-driven marketing strategies. Her professional experience includes content creation, media relations, donor communications, and staff engagement. She has managed marketing and communications projects in health care, cultural arts, and higher education at organizations including Mayo Clinic, the University of Montana Foundation, and The New York Public Library. She is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis and Columbia University.

Erin Turner – National Manager, Walks and Community Fundraising

Erin Turner serves as the National Manager, Walks and Community Fundraising. She came to the MGFA to collaborate with volunteer leads and manage all aspects of the MG Walk program to drive fundraising and growth. Erin traveled the world after college and discovered her passion for advocating for individuals with special needs and for those in need of both physical and emotional resources. Her experiences over seven years in healthcare and advocacy led her to join Special Olympics and the advocacy organization Autism Speaks. These early experiences helped to grow her passion for mission-based nonprofits that involve community building and support for like-minded individuals in the pursuit of a cause. Erin is extremely engaged and excited about her current work with the MGFA. Erin graduated with a Bachelor’s of Psychology from Kennesaw State University in Georgia.     

Patricia Francis – Executive Assistant

Pat Francis currently supports the MGFA as Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive Officer. She brings more than three decades of experience working with and supporting C-level executive leaders from major companies including Liberty Mutual Insurance and BNY Mellon Private Wealth Management. Pat engages in critical responsibilities that help drive the MGFA’s mission forward and ensure high levels of alignment and collaboration between MGFA staff, the Board of Directors, and other key stakeholders. Prior to joining the MGFA, Pat supported the President and CEO of Tracelink. She spent two decades supporting the Chief of Staff and retired Chairman at Liberty Mutual and also was a key administrator for organizational events coordination. Pat earned her BS in business administration with a minor in communications at Emmanuel College and an associate’s degree in computer sciences from Mount Ida College.

Kathleen Timothy – Community Outreach Coordinator

Kathi joins the MGFA as the Community Outreach Coordinator. She brings extensive experience working in the health care industry. As the Director of Patient Access overseeing two hospitals, she worked in the fields of insurance and healthcare finance focused on improving the patient experience. In addition, she has worked with the American Cancer Society on fundraising and volunteer engagement. She earned her master’s degree in health care administration from Southern New Hampshire University just prior to being diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. Kathi is an active volunteer not only for the MGFA but within her community. She currently co-leads two MGFA support groups and is the chair of the MGFA Tampa Bay Community Health Fair. 

 

Executive Committee

Robert Thomas – Chair

Robert Thomas serves as the Chair of the MGFA Board of Directors and he is the Chair of our Governance and Nominating Committee. He is currently the Founder, President & CEO of NUEnergy Payroll HR, a new payroll company. He is a dedicated and creative entrepreneur who established businesses through organizational transformations, mentoring start-up businesses, and inspiring their respective successes. He reaches out to the community through speaking engagements by using his extensive background in chief executive management for large corporations, as recent Chief Benefits Officer for Strategic Benefits Administration, Strategy, Operations & HRIS at the City of Houston, and past roles as Executive in Residence at the Houston Technology Center, Mentor/Advisor to SURGE Accelerator companies, past Advisory Board Member to the Dean at University of Houston’s College of Technology, and Advisory Council Member to the Dean of University of Texas’ school of Health Sciences. He furthers his community commitment to the University of Houston Downtown through his work as a Senior Corporate Fellow emphasizing advanced corporate finance, strategic business management, financial forecasting, and communications for finance professionals. Previously, Robert served in executive leadership roles at Fidelity, ADP, Hewitt, and Bank of America. Robert started his career with military service as a non-commissioned officer of the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned an MBA from University of Phoenix and completed executive development programs at Harvard Business School and the Haas School of Business, University of California Berkeley.

Justin Stachtiaris – Vice Chair

Justin Stachtiaris is the Vice Chair of the MGFA Board of Directors and Chair of the Finance Committee. He is currently an Associate at Bain Capital in their Healthcare Private Equity Group. Justin focuses his time working with and investing in companies across healthcare software and life sciences research. Prior to joining Bain Capital in 2020, Justin spent three years at Bain & Company where he worked with clients across pharma research, retail healthcare and consumer products. While at Bain & Co, Justin also led the Boston chapter of Inspire, a non-profit organization that provides pro-bono strategy consulting to growing NGOs across healthcare, education and global development. In October 2019, Justin led an Inspire engagement where he worked with Brian Gladden and Nancy Law to create the MGFA 2020 – 2022 strategic plan. Inspired by the MGFA mission and touched by his conversations with community members, Justin stayed involved in the organization and assisted with ongoing strategic initiatives. He received a BS degree in systems engineering from the University of Virginia.

Adrejia Lajoy Ann Boutté, JD – Secretary

Adrejia Lajoy Ann Boutte serves as the Secretary of the MGFA Board of Directors. She is a Louisiana litigator with more than 20 years of experience on both sides of the courtroom as in-house counsel and as a commercial litigator defending cases on behalf of a Fortune 500 company and various insurance companies across the nation. With a strong background in leadership in legal organizations (statewide and nationally), in compliance matters (with a focus on cyber risk), and as a life-long advocate of diversity objectives; Adrejia regularly offers trainings and presentations to individuals and companies. Adrejia thrives on “thinking outside of the box” and on bringing serious topics to any table with humor and other relatable methods. As an “MGer” of over 35 years, and with a passion for research and education, Adrejia gravitated to MGFA’s mission. Adrejia received a B.S. degree in Psychology from Xavier University School of Louisiana, a J.D. from Southern University Law Center, and a Master of Laws (LLM) degree in Business Law, with a Certificate in Compliance Studies, from Loyola University Chicago School of Law.

Brian Gladden – Chair Emeritus and Special Officer

Brian Gladden served as our Board Chair from 2021 through 2024 and currently serves as Chair Emeritus and Special Officer. He is the Chief Financial Officer for Zelis, a Bain Capital and Parthenon Capital-sponsored healthcare technology company.  Zelis is the US healthcare industry’s leading claims cost and payments optimization platform with superior technology and solutions to price claims, pay claims and explain claims. Prior to joining Zelis in early 2021, Brian was an Operating Partner with Bain Capital Private Equity, where he worked to create equity value across the portfolio companies of the North America Private Equity funds. Prior to joining Bain Capital, Brian was the Chief Financial Officer of Mondelēz International, a Chicago-based $30B global consumer products company where he oversaw all aspects of the company’s global finance function including treasury, accounting, tax, FP&A plus mergers and acquisitions, information technology, facilities and global business services. Prior to Mondelēz, Mr. Gladden was Chief Financial Officer at Dell, the $60B diversified technology company based in Austin, Texas. He also served in CEO and senior leadership roles at SABIC innovative Plastics and General Electric. Brian was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis in 2015. He received a B.S degree in Business Administration from Millersville University.

Board of Directors

Kelly Gwathmey, MD

Kelly Gwathmey is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. She studied Neuroscience and Behavioral Biology at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. She then attended Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. Her Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology training was completed at the University of Virginia. Following this, she completed a Neuromuscular Medicine fellowship at both Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. At the University of Virginia, she started the multidisciplinary MDA clinic, was co-director of the ALS clinic, and was the fellowship director for both the Neuromuscular and Clinical Neurophysiology fellowships. Kelly joined VCU in January 2019 and currently serves in the capacity of Neuromuscular Division Chair, Neuromuscular Medicine Program Director and EMG Laboratory Director. Dr. Gwathmey sees a wide spectrum of neuromuscular patients and performs electrodiagnostic studies (nerve conduction studies and electromyography). Her research interests include environment risk factors in ALS and quality of life instruments. Kelly has supported the MGFA for a number of years as an advisor, and most recently as a member of the MGFA Global Patient Registry Advisory Council.

Clyde Hosein

Clyde Hosein currently serves on the Finance and Investment Committee of the MGFA Board of Directors, which he joined in 2024. He is an accomplished senior financial executive (now retired) who served at several high-profile technology companies, including Automation Anywhere, RingCentral, and Marvell Semiconductor. He is also a member of several other boards. Clyde possesses deep expertise in financial strategy and operational efficiency and has much experience in scaling global organizations. With his comprehensive background in financial oversight and corporate leadership, Clyde provides significant value as a contributor to the MGFA’s financial strategy. He is also diagnosed with myasthenia gravis and is excited to give back to the MG community and help address the challenges of late diagnosis within the MG population.  

  

Ani Maitra

Richard J. Nowak, MD, MS

Dr. Richard Nowak currently serves as Chief Medical Advisor to the MGFA and is the Chair of the MGFA Research Committee.  He is a neuromuscular-fellowship-trained neurologist and a faculty member in the Department of Neurology at Yale University School of Medicine. He is the founding director of both the Program for Clinical & Translational Neuromuscular Research (CTNR) and the Yale Myasthenia Gravis (MG) Clinic.

In this leadership capacity, he has successfully established and built a translational neuromuscular immunology program. The MG Clinic is recognized both nationally and internationally. It is considered to be one of the largest in the United States, and widely known for clinical and research excellence.

Since formation of the CTNR program, he has initiated over a dozen studies focused on immune-mediated neuromuscular conditions. Dr. Nowak was awarded a U01 grant in 2013 to conduct one of the first NIH-sponsored interventional clinical trial in MG and served as the national principal investigator for the Phase 2 Trial of Rituximab in Myasthenia Gravis (BeatMG Study), a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double blind trial. He has been integral in establishing the recently NIH-funded Rare Disease Network for Myasthenia Gravis (MGNet) with his collaborators at Duke University and George Washington University. Dr. Nowak is not only a skilled academic neurologist but also a seasoned, senior investigator as demonstrated by continuous NIH grant funding. He brings the perspective of an independent investigator focused on clinical trials, clinical trial design and development/application of targeted therapies in order to facilitate future patient-tailored treatment approaches.  Dr. Nowak remains committed to advancing MG science and patient care. 

Dr. Nowak earned his BS degree from Loyola University Chicago, MS degree from Northwestern University, and MD degree from Drexel University College of Medicine. He completed his internship (internal medicine), residency (neurology), and fellowship (neuromuscular medicine) training at Yale New Haven Hospital. 

Kevin C. O’Connor, PhD

Dr. Kevin C. O’Connor currently serves as the Chief Scientific Advisor for the MGFA Medical & Scientific Advisory Council. Dr. O’Connor is a professor of Neurology and Immunobiology at Yale School of Medicine. He holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Ph.D. in Biochemistry from Tufts Medical School. After completing postdoctoral training in immunology at Harvard Medical School, he joined its faculty for several years before moving to Yale.

Dr. O’Connor’s research focuses on human translational immunology and neurology, specifically exploring how B cells and their antibodies contribute to tissue injury in autoimmune diseases. His team studies human-derived specimens to understand how specific autoreactive B cell subsets and antibodies initiate and sustain autoimmunity. Their work primarily targets diseases including myasthenia gravis (MG), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMO), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibody disease.

Callum Schjerning

Cal began his career as an enterprise sales professional with NTT, a global leader in the telecommunication industry.  During his time there he helped organizations digitally transform their collaboration environment by implementing modern communication solutions.  He was recognized as the company’s top sales performer in both 2017 and 2020 before moving onto a leadership position.  As a sales leader he adopted a mentorship role by helping develop the skills of emerging sales talent through weekly coaching workshops. Cal recently transitioned into his current position at Tableau, a company specializing in Analytics and Business Intelligence solutions. He earned his BA from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. Canada with a Major/Minor in Economics and Biology, respectively. Cal is passionate about mental health advocacy supporting both the Canadian Mental Health Association and Canada’s Centre for Mental Health and Addiction, with a specific interest in early intervention programs for youth and young adults.

Kyle Sell

Kyle Sell serves as the MGFA Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee. He is a partner with Deloitte & Touche LLP where he has served a multitude of global clients during his 30 plus year career. He also serves as partner-in-charge of the New Jersey audit & assurance practice, primarily responsible for advancing the Firm’s initiatives around audit quality, inclusion, operations, financial performance, and growth in the New Jersey marketplace. He has a broad background in business processes and accounting systems and is experienced in reporting under US GAAP, IFRS, and SEC requirements. An active leader in the profession, Kyle is a past-president of the New Jersey Society of CPAs, received NJCPA’s Distinguished Services Award, and been named to the NJ Biz Accounting Power Top 50. Kyle joined the MGFA board of directors in support of his wife, Jocelyn, who lives with myasthenia gravis.

Paul Strumph, MD

Paul Strumph, MD, has served on the Board of Directors of the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America since 2020, where he is currently the volunteer lead for the MGFA Global MG Patient Registry and received the 2022 Impact Award which recognizes a volunteer who has changed the trajectory of the MGFA. Paul is Chief Medical Officer at Seraxis Pharmaceuticals and has more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical development field. He also served as Chief Medical Officer at Metavant Sciences and Vice President, Clinical Development at Lexicon Pharmaceuticals, where he led global clinical development from early phase 2 work through successful NDA and MAA filings achieving EU approval of sotagliflozin, an oral adjunct to insulin in type 1 diabetes. He is also the founder and chair of the Diabetes Center of Excellence and held chief medical positions at Quintiles (now IQVIA), the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and held leadership roles at GlaxoSmithKline, Merck KGaA/EMD, and Bristol Myers Squibb & Co. Paul has personal experience with chronic autoimmune diseases, as he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 1966, and myasthenia gravis in 2019. Paul received his undergraduate degree from Wesleyan University, his M.D. with distinction in research from the University of Rochester and completed residency training in Combined Internal Medicine and Pediatrics at Emory University.

 

Chairs Emeriti

 

Esther Land

Esther is a retired marketing specialist from Dematic, a materials handling equipment company, after 45 years of service.  During her employment years and beyond, she has volunteered for Myasthenia Gravis.  She became acquainted with MGFA when she was diagnosed with MG in 1960.  She has been involved ever since on the national and local levels.  In 1975 she co-founded the Great Lakes Chapter of MGFA where she served in several board positions. She joined the MGFA national board in 1985, serving on numerous committees until 2009, including board chair from 2003-2007.  With a passion to assist those afflicted with MG, she continues her dedication by encouraging and supporting patients throughout Michigan.

 

Marcia S. Lorimer, CPNP, RN  

Marcia Lorimer, CPNP, RN is Assistant Professor Emeritus at Duke University School of Nursing, where she served as lead faculty and director of the nationally ranked pediatric nurse practitioner major for many years. She is a graduate of the Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing, the City College of New York (BS), Albert Einstein College of Medicine (PNP Certificate), and the University of Virginia (MSN). Marcia was diagnosed with myasthenia at age 10. She has served the MGFA Board in various capacities since being elected to her first term in 1991, including chairperson, committee chair, and NAB representative.

 

Marc Kalish, JD

  Marc Kalish is a former Air Force fighter pilot and a retired attorney whose now serves as a mediator and arbitrator. He first joined the MGFA Board of Directors in 1991, while he was also serving as President of the Arizona Chapter. He was elected MGFA Board Chair in 1992, a position he held through 1996. He was reelected to the Board as Vice-Chair in 1997 and served in that position until 1999 when he was forced to resign after having been appointed to serve temporarily as judge. After joining the Finance Committee in 2006, Marc was reelected to the Board in 2008 and served as its Treasurer. Marc has been married to Ginny (Virginia nee Morrison) since 1970 and they have two children and two granddaughters, all of whom live close by in Phoenix. Ginny was first diagnosed with MG in 1958.

 

Susan Klinger

Susan is a retired Senior Vice President of Human Resources.  She spent 29 years of her 35 year career in HR at Citigroup in various Human Resource roles across the corporation.  Her expertise lies in problem solving, performance management, communications and recruitment.  She also has particular interest in employee advocacy which has easily translated into patient advocacy.  Shortly after she was diagnosed with MG in 2004, she became involved with the former Metro NY Chapter of MGFA, joining its board of directors in 2005. She joined the National MGFA board in 2008.   Susan has volunteered with the Medicare Rights Center as a Health Advocate and also served as a board member and HR chair for Human Development Services of Westchester, an organization which provides multi-discipline programs for those recovering from mental health issues.  Sue earned a BA in Sociology from Brooklyn College and attended the Baruch College graduate Business Management School. Susan co-leads the Greater NYC MG support group. She has served on several MGFA committees; has been board Secretary, Vice Chair and Acting Chair.

 

Sam Schulhof

Sam was elected as a member of MGFA’s Board of Directors in 2005 and subsequently served as Treasurer and then Chair of the Board until 2016. He has over 40 years of operating and senior executive leadership experience in both public and private sectors. Sam was one of four Technical Directors of GE’s Corporate Research Center responsible for the oversight of five of the Center’s thirteen Laboratories and GE’s Environmental Research Center. He was also accountable for the day-to-day program management of technical efforts for GE Capital and its set of 25 businesses. Before joining GE, he served as Associate Vice-President for Applied Research and as Vice-President of the University of Pittsburg Trust. Prior to that, he held senior level political appointments with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, The Action Agency (Peace Corps and Vista) and as a Deputy Special Assistant to two Presidents of the United States. During his career, Sam has been involved with several technology start-up ventures as a founder, investor and Board Chair. Currently Sam is MGFA, Chair Emeritus. He’s also on the Board of the Gulf Beach Art Center, Inc.

 

Posthumous Chair Emeriti

Nancy Law

Nancy Law served as CEO for the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America from March 2016—February 2020 and was appointed Board Chair in 2020. She was a board member for the organization for 8 years prior to accepting the CEO position. Nancy retired in 2015 from a 28 year career with the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, where she served as an Executive VP. She led the Society’s efforts in programs, services and clinical care, working to achieve high quality programs for people with MS and their families nationwide, and increased access to quality health care. Diagnosed with MG in 1996, Nancy was always excited about working on behalf of her own disease and led implementation of new MGFA programs, including telephone peer support (MG Friends), and Partners in MG Care, and expanded MGFA’s visibility and relevance in social media. She served on several national and global MG patient councils. After retiring from the NMSS and before taking the MGFA CEO position, Nancy provided consultation to the pharmaceutical industry on program design and strategies to enhance patient/physician communication. Nancy had graduated with a degree in speech/communications from Ohio Wesleyan University and received her social work license in Ohio in 1986. Before joining the MS Society she had work experience in child welfare, foster home certification and supervision, and volunteer management. Nancy passed away in 2021.

Ed Walsh 

Ed joined the MGFA Board in 2010, was Treasurer from 2011 to 2016, and served as the MGFA Board Chair from 2016-2020. Ed passed away in 2021. Ed was a senior executive with 30 plus years of international financial and operating experience in Corporate and Consumer financial services. Since retiring from Citibank/Citicorp where he was Executive Vice-President (EVP), Chief Administrative Officer, Consumer Lending, he became involved in several startup private equity ventures where he served as a Board member and investor. As EVP he was responsible for all asset product offerings other than credit cards for Citibank/Citigroup and accountable for the management of $222B in assets.