1. Roxan Olivas
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Vice President — Public Relations and Community Programs
(520) 529-5305
rolivas@mdausa.org
MDA Appoints Karen Lewis Alexander
as Chief Revenue Officer
CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2016 – After a comprehensive, nationwide search, the Muscular Dystrophy
Association today announced the appointment of Karen Lewis Alexander as Executive Vice
President and Chief Revenue Officer. Alexander will join MDA in this newly created leadership
role as a member of its executive staff team beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17.
At MDA, Alexander will lead all aspects of its fundraising
operations, supervising current leaders on the Income
Development and Field Operations teams. She will have
accountability for strengthening ties with current sponsors
and supporters, expanding existing fundraising programs,
adding new sources of income, and forging new
relationships to help MDA achieve its long-term mission
goals.
“Karen is a highly accomplished, strategic and tenacious philanthropist who has achieved
fundraising milestones at every institution where she has worked,” said MDA President and
CEO Steven M. Derks. “We are thrilled to have her join our team and to lead us in funding our
mission for MDA families. Bringing both our Field Operations and Income Development teams
together structurally under Karen’s leadership will allow for more integration, collaboration and
opportunities for growth.”

2. Alexander is an accomplished fundraiser, development officer and business leader. She has
held fundraising and sales leadership roles for highly respected medical, academic, cultural and
corporate institutions. Most recently, Alexander served for nearly five years as the Vice
President of Development and an officer at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association,
overseeing annual giving, corporate sponsorships, foundation relations, individual major gifts,
planned giving, and a successful $250-million capital campaign.
From 2008 to 2011, she was Senior Vice President of Development and External Affairs at
Loyola University Health System in suburban Chicago where, in addition to overall development
responsibilities, she had marketing duties. For the prior seven years, Alexander served in a
senior development and advancement capacity at the University of Chicago and was
instrumental in helping it achieve a $2 billion fundraising campaign. From a corporate sales
perspective, Alexander also worked for six years at a subsidiary of Hallmark Cards where she
served as nationwide Vice President of Market Development, forging new relationships with
major retailers such as Target, Toys “R” Us, QVC, Costco and Sam’s Club.
“MDA’s commitment to its mission, rich history and fresh direction is compelling,” Alexander
said. “I look forward to getting to know our existing supporters and staff, and to building new
networks of philanthropy and sponsorship of behalf of kids and adults living with muscle-related
diseases.”
Alexander earned her bachelor’s from Williams College in Williamstown, Massachusetts and is
active with industry groups such as the Association of Healthcare Philanthropy and the
Association of Donor Relations Professionals, where she is a regular speaker. She currently
resides in Chicago, where she will be based with MDA.
About MDA
MDA is leading the fight to free individuals — and the families who love them — from the harm
of muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical
strength, independence and life. We use our collective strength to help kids and adults live
longer and grow stronger by finding research breakthroughs across diseases; caring for
individuals from day one; and empowering families with services and support in hometowns
across America. Learn how you can fund cures, find care and champion the cause at mda.org.
-MDA-