The Board of Directors of ALS United NC announced today that Mary Grams has been appointed as its new President and CEO following a national search by Capital Development Services out of Winston-Salem. Grams has over 20 years’ experience as a successful leader providing strategic direction resulting in continued revenue growth, partnership development and community service in North Carolina. She will begin work with the organization on August 4.
Board Chair Douglas Noreen believes Grams is a great fit to lead ALS United NC.
“She brings strong skills, experience, and a record of achievement in previous roles. But she also brings incredible personal passion for patients and caregivers, which is invaluable,” he said.
Grams has a long history with the disease and with ALS United NC. Grams’ mother succumbed to ALS when she was just 60 years old. One of 6 siblings, Mary was the principal catalyst for her mother’s care plan. Over the period that her mother suffered from the disease, Grams sought out various treatment options, advocated for new treatment plans, and was a primary communicator with her mother’s team of physicians. As a result of her personal journey with ALS, she became a legacy member with ALS United NC. Over the past 20 years, Grams has raised over $200,000 for the chapter and has consistently been one of the top fundraisers in the region.
Prior to joining ALS United NC, Grams was the Vice President of Corporate Partnerships for the American Hockey League’s Charlotte Checkers for 13 years. She successfully led her team in securing and renewing partnerships and increased team corporate revenue significantly. Additionally, during her time with the team, she was critical in the administration of the Checkers Charitable Foundation (CCF). Her role included but was not limited to the non-profit’s event management, fundraising, and relationship cultivation processes. As a result of her efforts with the CCF, she was named the AHL/Charlotte Checkers Person of Year in 2020.
“It is an incredible honor to be selected for this role at such a pivotal time for the organization. I look forward to leading the talented team at ALS United NC. We will work diligently to expand and grow the care services and outreach programs necessary to assist the patients and families. I had a front row seat to the devastation that the disease causes, and I have made it my lifelong mission to fight until a cure is found,” Grams shared.