About Accelerated Cure Project for MS
For 25 years, we’ve been connecting people, resources, and expertise to help MS research move faster.
Our mission
To accelerate MS research by breaking down barriers and connecting the people, resources and expertise needed to achieve faster diagnoses, better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Built to end MS
An ecosystem designed to move MS research forward, faster.
Built for continued discovery
ACP data and biosamples support multiple studies, while new collections and data returned by researchers continually expand what’s available for future research.
Community at the center
We combine scientific expertise with the knowledge and experience of people affected by MS, keeping our work grounded in what matters to the community.
Broader representation
We bring more people and perspectives into MS research, helping studies better reflect the full MS community and strengthening what researchers can learn from their findings.
Breaking down silos
We connect people, organizations, data and expertise, making it easier to share knowledge, build on what already exists and move research forward.
The ACP Staff
The people behind ACP combine scientific expertise, lived experience, and a shared commitment to moving MS research forward.
ACP Board of Directors
ACP’s Board of Directors provides strategic leadership and governance to help advance the organization’s mission and long-term vision.
Patrick Curley
Managing Partner, Curley Law Firm, LLP
Lisa Buettner
Founder, President, and Senior Consultant, Anchor Consulting, LLC
Kristy dosReis
Chief Public Information Officer, Public Safety, City of Providence (R.I.)
Melanie Drayton
MS, Vice President Regulatory Affairs, Vaxart, Inc.
Aakruti Gorde
MS, Senior Director of Program Management, Trames Bio
Linda Kanner
(Retired) Principal, Orchard Group
Michael Middlebrook
Investment Analyst, Holocene Advisors
Pamela Saussy, Board Chair
(Retired) Executive Director, Literacy Council of Montgomery County
Clint Simpson
Senior Vice President, PIMCO
Catherine Venturini
Retired Vice President Development Program Lead, BioPharma Industry
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ACP Scientific Steering Committee
ACP’s Scientific Steering Committee includes leading experts in MS and related fields who help guide the organization’s research strategy and scientific direction.
Farren Briggs, Ph.D. Sc.M.
Associate Professor, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Public Health Sciences
Stephanie Buxhoeveden, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer, ACP
Melanie Drayton
Vice President Regulatory Affairs, Vaxart, Inc.
Mark Gilliland, B.A.
Program Manager, Data Analytics, ACP
Aakruti Gorde
Senior Director of Program Management, Trames Bio
David Gwynne, Ph.D.
Director, Alliances and Collaborations, ACP
Elizabeth M Keithley, Ph.D. (Betsy)
Emeritus Professor, Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, San Diego
Ben Kostiuk, Ph.D.
Director of Life Science Partnerships, Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation
Sara Loud, M.S., MBA
Chief Executive Officer, ACP
Laurel MacMillan, M.S.
Analytics & Operations Lead, Centaur Labs
Unsong Oh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, Department of Neurology, Clinician-Researcher, Virginia Commonwealth University
Amy Olex, Ph.D.
Senior Bioinformatics Specialist, Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Virginia Commonwealth University
Chase Spurlock, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Decode Health
Gregory Tranah, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist, Sequoia Center for the Science of Aging, Sutter Health
iConquerMS Governance
The iConquerMS people-powered research network was designed and developed, and operates with the guidance of people diagnosed with MS, caregivers, researchers, healthcare providers, funders, and representatives from other MS organizations. Their commitment to serving on the iConquerMS governance ensures the Network reflects the needs and priorities of the MS community.
iConquerMS Governing Board
The Governing Board provides oversight as to the strategic direction, impact, and financial sustainability of the iConquerMS initiative. The Governing Board members include:
Jemima Akinsanya, D.O.
Emily Blosberg*
Stephanie Buxhoeveden* (Co-Chair)
Dimika Cavalier*
Kathleen Costello
Lisa Emrich* (Co-Chair)
Fiona Hoey*
Ann Marie Johnson*
Linda Kanner*
Laura Kolaczkowski*
Joe Laferrera*
Sara Loud
Jon Strum
iConquerMS Engagement Committee
The Engagement Committee supports the activities associated with the recruitment and engagement of a diverse membership into iConquerMS. The Engagement Committee Members include:
Natalie Blake
Jordan Caines (Co-Chair)
Dimika Cavalier*
Matt Allen Gonzales*
Nohora Gutierrez*
Alexis Crispino Kline
Nicholas LaRocca, PhD
Sara Loud
Dawn Morgan* (Co-Chair)
Yahaira Rivera
Christina Roman
Lindsey Santiago*
Robert Sarles*
Tracy Todd*
Anita Williams*
Teresa Wright-Johnson*
iConquerMS Research Committee
The Research Committee reviews and approves the research and research-related activities that are conducted via iConquerMS. The Research Committee members include:
Farren Briggs
Shawn Feliciano* (Co-Chair)
Yolanda Hardy*
Farrah Mateen
Michael McClennen*
Sarah Minden
Louise Palmer
Jeanine M. Palumbo
Rob Poh*
Hollie Schmidt (Co-Chair)
Kara Skorupa
Amanda Windhof*
- Person with MS
Additional Steering Committees and Councils
In addition to the Governing Board, Engagement Committee and Research Committee, the iConquerMS initiative is guided by the following committees and councils:
Caregivers Steering Committee
Pediatric Steering Committee
Research Inclusion Diversity and Equity (RIDE) Council