A Message of Gratitude and Momentum: Leadership Changes at MDA

At the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), we’re marking a major moment in our history. Dr. Donald S. Wood, who has led MDA as President and CEO since 2020, has announced his decision to retire.

Dr. Don Wood

This transition brings both celebration and reflection. For nearly five decades, Dr. Wood has been part of MDA’s mission as a scientist, a research leader, vice chair of MDA’s Board of Directors, and most recently, as President and CEO. During his time as President and CEO, MDA reached major milestones. We raised the bar for multidisciplinary care across our nationwide Care Center Network. We launched the MDA Kickstart and Gene Therapy Support Network programs and deepened our advocacy and research initiatives to achieve groundbreaking results. Our breakthroughs include unprecedented legislation to secure accessible, dignified air travel policies and to bring to market FDA-approved treatments for Duchenne muscular dystrophy, ALS, Friedreich’s ataxia, and myasthenia gravis. These outcomes didn’t happen by chance; they came from Dr. Wood’s vision, persistence, and his abiding belief in what is possible when science and community come together.

“It has been the honor of my life to serve the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the families who inspire everything we do,” Dr. Wood shared. “This is the right moment to pass the baton. I have every confidence in MDA’s mission and the team that will carry it forward.”

Dr. Sharon Hesterlee, interim President and CEO of MDA

To ensure a smooth transition, MDA’s Board of Directors has appointed Dr. Sharon Hesterlee as interim President and CEO. Dr. Hesterlee is well known across the neuromuscular research and biotech communities and most recently served as MDA’s Chief Research. Her leadership has in that capacity has shaped major initiatives and guided strategic research investments that are accelerating the development of new therapies.

“Thanks to the work Dr. Wood has done to build footing for mission growth and innovation, we are entering a new chapter with strength, realism, and resolve,” Dr. Hesterlee said. “MDA’s foundation is solid, and our sights are set on what comes next.”

We invite you to visit our tribute page to share your thanks and memories with Dr. Wood as he begins a well-earned retirement. And we hope you’ll continue to visit Quest for updates as MDA moves boldly into its next chapter.