National Multiple Sclerosis Society

“Classes of members or stockholders the voting members of the society serve on the delegate assembly and are comprised of chairs of the boards of trustees and governance and community engagement committee chairs from each of the 31 chapters of the national ms society, the national board of directors, and the ceo advisory committee chairs.”

“Election of members and their rights all members of the board of directors are elected by the delegate assembly, which is comprised of voting members of the organization, as outlined in the bylaws. The delegate assembly is comprised of (1) the directors of the society; (2) the chair of the board of trustees for each chapter of the society; (3) the chair of each chapter's community engagement committee; (4) the chair of each chapter's governance committee; and (5) the chair of each ceo advisory committee.”

“Decisions subject to approval of members the delegate assembly elects the governing body, approves any by-law changes and approves the society's strategic plan.”

“Organization's process to review form 990 the form 990 and accompanying schedules are prepared by an external independent accounting firm in conjunction with management. It is then provided to the audit committee members for review, comments, corrections, and edits. A meeting of the audit committee is held to discuss any edits, approve the revised form 990, and approve distribution to the society board of directors. The society board is given a two-week period to review and comment on form 990 before the return is filed with the internal revenue service.”

“Enforcement of conflicts policy each director must complete a conflict of interest questionnaire prior to becoming a director and annually thereafter. Each officer, key person or covered individual must complete a conflict of interest questionaire when assuming the relevant position and annually thereafter. All information in completed questionnaires or subsequent disclosures shall be compiled and reported by management to the board of directors. A list of individuals and organizations identified as related parties through the annual disclosure process ("related party list") shall be assembled and provided to employees of the society or other individuals who have authority to sign contracts, enter into transactions, or sign checks on behalf of the society. Such individuals shall be responsible for reviewing the related party list before entering into a transaction or signing a check to confirm whether it is a potential related party transaction. In addition, to proactively identify potential conflicts, we inquire the board at the start of each board meeting. If a potential related party transaction is identified, information regarding the proposed transaction must be provided to the evp, general counsel, for review. Such individual shall be responsible for confirming whether the proposed transaction is a related party transaction and may consult with outside legal counsel to assist with this review.”

“Compensation process the compensation committee is comprised of at least three (3) independent board members, including the board chair. On an annual basis, the committee is provided with comparable salary information and data for executive positions at other voluntary healthcare agencies of similar size and national influence. This information is used to evaluate the performance of and determine any compensation changes for the president and ceo as well as ensure the equitability of society officers. Results of the president and ceo's compensation are reviewed with the board during executive session. Form 990, part vi, line 17 & schedule g, part i, line 3 the society is registered or licensed to solicit in the following states and jurisdictions: al, ak, ar, ca, co, ct, d.c., fl, ga, hi, il, ks, ky, la, me, md, ma, mi, mn, ms, mo, nv, nh, nj, nm, ny, nc, nd, oh, ok, or, pa, ri, sc, tn, ut, va, wa, wv, wi.”

“Governing documents disclosure explanation the society's irs form 990, irs form 990-t and audited financial statements are available at www.nationalmssociety.org, and on the charity navigator website. The society's governing documents, record retention and conflict of interest policy are available upon request. Form 990, part vii/schedule j tim coetzee was promoted to ceo as of july 2024. The calendar year 2023 compensation reflected on both part vii and schedule j corresponds to his previous role as chief advocacy, services & science officer. Misty flowers was promoted to evp, finance and operations as of june 2024. The calendar year 2023 compensation reflected on both part vii and schedule j corresponds to her previous role as vp, financial planning and enterprise analytics. Form 990, part vii-b, the professional services from independent contractor, merkle inc. Merkle inc. Supports the society by developing strategies, segmentation plans, and tactical approaches for its direct marketing initiatives. These efforts encompass fundraising and stewardship through various channels such as direct mail, email, and web asset campaigns. Beyond strategic planning, merkle also manages the execution of the society's comprehensive direct marketing program, encompassing over twenty-one acquisition campaigns each year, monthly renewal campaigns, monthly email communications, and ongoing acknowledgment and tax receipting of donor gifts.”

“Change in fair value of beneficial interest in trust 379,089. Change in value of split-interest agreements -75,183.”