Modrall Sperling’s Service to ALS New Mexico Chapter
Two attorneys with Modrall Sperling, Alex Walker and Moses Winston, are serving successive terms on the ALS Association New Mexico Chapter’s Board of Directors. Alex, a shareholder in the firm’s litigation department, served on the Board from 2012 through 2018. An associate also in the litigation department, Moses was named to the Board shortly thereafter.
The New Mexico Chapter supports those living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and their loved ones by providing services and education. The organization’s mission is to discover treatments and a cure, and to be a voice for those affected by ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. The work of the chapter is extremely important to Modrall Sperling, which lost a beloved friend and partner, Doug Schneebeck*, on October 17, 2016 after a long and challenging battle with the disease.
Alex joined the chapter’s board after meeting then-Executive Director Kerrie Copeland and former Board President, Billy Marshall.
“Having the opportunity to serve really hit home for me due to the timing,” he recalls. “Doug had been recently diagnosed, and it was a welcome invitation to take action.”
The chapter was then in its early years, and very small in terms of membership. Alex says the Board’s main roles were to ensure the fiduciary duties were being fulfilled and that the Executive Director had what was needed to grow the chapter.
And grow it did.
The chapter has increased its revenue by 50% in the last three years and added two new annual events, the Las Cruces Walk to Defeat ALS and Hearts on Your Sleeve Fashion Show.
Regarding the Albuquerque Walk, Katie Crouch, development coordinator for the chapter says, “We broke major records last year in participation and growth….Fun fact: The Albuquerque Walk raised more money than did the one in San Diego!”
After speaking with a friend and Board member who lost a loved one to the disease, Moses sought to become more involved in the chapter. His background in public service had prepared him for serving on the ALS Board.
“Prior to joining Modrall, I regularly provided advice to state boards, including serving as counsel to the Tribal Infrastructure Board,” he notes. “Now that I am in private practice, I want to continue my public service and serving on the ALS Board will allow me to continue this, as the Board is very active and provides services and support to a New Mexico population in need.”
*Doug’s award-winning blog at osohigh.com provides an unblinking, poignant, and somehow often humorous account of the effect of ALS on his life and those around him. His Oso High organization has raised more than $400,000 to fight ALS.
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