MDA Nominates Kristin Stephenson As VP Of Policy And Advocacy

Renowned lawyer and health advocate Kristin Stephenson was recently named by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) as the organization’s Vice President of Policy and Advocacy. Stephenson was already an active member of the MDA community and now, with her new responsibilities, she will be implementing, developing and overseeing government and advocacy relations strategies to better achieve the public policy goals that the organization established in order to protect those living with muscle diseases.

Steven M. Derks, the CEO and President of the MDA, will work closely with Stephenson in the mission of maintaining the commitment to address the main MDA’s programs, noting in a press release: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome Kristin to our team. Not only is she a formidable health care advocate with years of experience in nursing, health care management consulting, health law and public policy advocacy, but she has firsthand knowledge of the challenges muscle disease can present in a family’s life. I’m confident that Kristin’s professional experience and personal connection to our mission have prepared her well to step into this key leadership role. She is passionate about getting real results that make a difference in the lives of the families we serve.”

Kristin has a personal connection to the cause because of her husband Bradley Stephenson who was diagnosed with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy. They have been married for 20 years and, as his disease progressed, the two dedicated their lives to advocating on behalf of people living with neuromuscular diseases.

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Kristin Stephenson added: “MDA’s mission is one that hits close to home. I’ve had the opportunity to learn what life with muscular dystrophy is like for the person affected, as well as for their families. I am thrilled and honored to join at such an exciting time, and I look forward to helping MDA achieve its mission.  I cannot think of a more important undertaking.”

The MDA has redoubled its commitment and urgency of working with lawmakers to achieve the Association’s goals on behalf of advocating for MD.

Stephenson has devoted her career to health issues: she earned a Bachelors of Science in Nursing, a Masters of Science in Health Care Administration and has worked as a consultant; she pursued a law degree and, since then, she has been focused on advocacy concerning health care.