Can Do Multiple Sclerosis, an Edwards-based empowerment program for people with multiple sclerosis and their support partners, has appointed Heidi Heltzel as its chief executive officer.

“The board of directors is confident in Heidi's leadership,” said Can Do MS' board president Michelle Leighton. “She is smart and energetic and already working on ways to reduce our expenses, increase our fundraising and expand our national presence.”

Heltzel is the co-founder and former executive director of the American Transplant Foundation, a Denver based nonprofit whose mission is to save lives by reducing the growing list of women, men, and children who are waiting for a transplant. In her work with the ATF, she launched educational and outreach programs, directed fund raising efforts and coordinated collaborative efforts with organizations throughout the community to ensure that the ATF fulfilled its mission.

“Can Do MS' mission to empower people and families living with MS to transform and improve their quality of life is one that resonates with me,” Heltzel said. “I am excited to be part of an organization that 26 years ago spearheaded a unique approach to living with MS and which today continues to use its transformative, experiential and multi-disciplinary approach to impact the lives of thousands of people each year.”

Comments and questions to Heltzel are encouraged. She can be contacted at (800) 367-3101 ext. 1278, (970) 926-1278 or hheltzel@mscando.org.