Multiple Sclerosis Association Of

“Once the association's independent auditing firm completes the federal form 990, the accounting department verifies the accuracy of the numbers. The federal form 990 is then sent to all members of the board of directors for their review and comments. The board of directors has designated the audit committee to have the final approval before the federal form 990 is electronically filed with the internal revenue service.”

“The conflict-of-interest policy is administered by the board of directors. On an annual basis, board of directors, officers and senior staff designated by the president and ceo must certify that they are in compliance with the conflict-of-interest policy. Annually, all other employees receive a copy of the policy for their review. If an incident arises about a conflict, it will be referred to the board of directors to determine if a conflict has occurred. All employees are encouraged to bring to the attention of the president and ceo if any issue of a conflict of interest has occurred. When a covered person becomes aware of a proposed or existing covered transaction, he or she shall have a duty to take the following actions: (1) immediately disclose the existence and circumstances of such covered transaction to the chairperson or, in the case of an employee, to the president and ceo. (2) refrain from using his or her personal influence to encourage the association to enter into the covered transaction and (3) physically recuse himself or herself from participation in any discussions regarding the covered transaction with directors, officers and/or employees of the association and at meetings of the board of directors, except to respond to requests for information about the covered transaction.”

“Annual compensation is reviewed based on several factors including job performance, inflation, budgetary considerations, and survey of the market. The president and ceo's compensation is based upon similar criteria and in addition an outside consultant was engaged during the fiscal year to assure proper alignment with the market. Final approval rests with the board of directors and compensation committee.”

“The financial statements, conflict of interest policy, federal form 1023, and governing documents are available to the public upon request. The audited financial statements as well as federal form 990 are posted on the association's website. The annual summary of the association's programs and finances are published in an annual report which is distributed to major donors, corporate sponsors, foundations, and the general public and is also posted on our website.”

“The process has not changed from the prior year.”