IJMSC Insights: Kathleen Costello, Interim CEO of CMSC

Kathleen Costello, CRNP, MSCN

Image credit: CMSC

In January 2025, Kathleen Costello, CRNP, MSCN, was named interim chief executive officer (CEO) of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC). The previous CEO, June Halper, MSN, APN-C, FAAN, MSCN, had held the position from 1992 until her death in July 2024. This leadership transition ushers in a new era for CMSC so the International Journal of MS Care (IJMSC) sat down with Costello to talk about her background, her experience with MS care, and her plans for her time at CMSC.

International Journal of MS Care: How did you get involved in the field of neurology? What was your path to nursing?

Kathleen Costello, CRNP, MSCN: Kathleen Costello, CRNP, MSCN (KC): I started my nursing journey in a 3-year diploma program before earning my BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) and later my master’s. My career began in a community hospital, where I worked in various medical and surgical nursing roles before transitioning to managing a drug research clinic.

When my children were born, I worked part time, but soon realized I needed a clearer career path. Because of family needs, I took a part-time position on the neurology unit at the University of Maryland—without realizing it would shape the rest of my career!

IJMSC: Tell us more about your exposure to MS care. How did you choose it as the focus of your career?

KC: As I mentioned, I worked as a staff nurse in an acute neurology unit at the University of Maryland, an academic institution. The department chair, Ken Johnson, was an MS specialist. At the time, people with MS were routinely admitted for diagnosis and treatment of exacerbations.

MS had always intrigued me because of its complexity, but what really struck me was its far-reaching impact—not just physically, but cognitively, emotionally, and in every aspect of life, from relationships to work and family. I knew then that this was the area of neurology I wanted to pursue as a career path.

MS had always intrigued me because of its complexity, but what really struck me was its far-reaching impact—not just physically, but cognitively, emotionally, and in every aspect of life, from relationships to work and family.

IJMSC: Tell me about your move from clinical care to the advocacy and nonprofit side of things.

KC: After a few years in the acute care setting, my department chair invited me to be a part of his newly developed MS center, and I was specifically invited for 2 purposes. One was to provide an injection training program for the new drug, interferon beta-1b, that had been approved in 1993. And…second, I was to coordinate clinical trials. Then, it was suggested that a nurse practitioner should be added to the center team. I pursued my graduate degree and was soon added to the provider team. Over time, we built a comprehensive center, adding mental health, infusion services, urology and rehabilitation. We were able to provide complete and coordinated care that addressed many of the needs that someone with MS could have. But I also believed that care needed to be addressed at a larger level—improved access to care, ensuring a well-educated workforce, and at the health policy level. With that in mind, I moved from clinical care to the health care access team at the National MS Society.

IJMSC: How did you first hear about or get involved with CMSC?

KC: I was first introduced to the CMSC in 1995 when I attended the annual meeting. I had the opportunity to connect with other health care professionals, primarily nurses, and quickly realized that becoming part of this organization would not only enhance my own learning but also help our center provide better care for people with MS.

It was through my department chair that I met June Halper—a visionary leader whose passion for MS care and education was truly inspiring. Under her guidance, I became actively involved in nursing education. Not long after, she led the establishment of the International Organization of MS Nurses (IOMSN), an initiative that I was honored to be part of from the very beginning. June’s knowledge and leadership made it easy to say yes to any opportunity she presented. Those early years were incredibly rewarding as we worked together to develop educational programs, guidance documents, and books for both nurses and people with MS. Through her mentorship, I not only deepened my expertise in MS but also grew into a more confident educator and professional.

IJMSC: You spoke a little bit about IOMSN, and I know you were past president of the organization, and then you were also on the CMSC Board of Governors. So was that just another step, another layer to your advocacy work and clinical work?

KC: I think so. As my involvement with the CMSC and IOMSN deepened, I found myself increasingly engaged in both community and professional education, collaborating with various organizations to enhance patient and provider learning. With this growth came new leadership opportunities. As you mentioned, I had the honor of serving as a past president of the IOMSN, and later, I was nominated to join the CMSC Board of Directors. This role provided a meaningful platform to influence change at an organizational level, always with the goal of improving the lives of those living with MS.

I was completely humbled, excited, and honored to be asked to be interim CEO. What an incredible opportunity to continue the work that I’ve been passionate about for years, but now in yet another impactful way.

IJMSC: It sounds like you really took the CMSC message and mission to heart even before you were approached. How did you feel when you were approached to be interim CEO?

KC: I was completely humbled, excited, and honored to be asked to be interim CEO. What an incredible opportunity to continue the work that I’ve been passionate about for years, but now in yet another impactful way. And of course, it’s an enormous responsibility. Many people have said, “Whoa, you’ve got some big shoes to fill.” Well, no one can fill those shoes. June was unique. She was an incredible and brilliant individual with endless energy and enormous vision.... I have my own way of doing things, and I have a deep desire to continue her legacy, and to continue to evolve the CMSC, to continue to grow the membership, and have more people involved. Ultimately, our vision is that health care professionals can provide the best care possible for people affected by the disease, and that’s something that I’ve always work towards, even prior to my involvement with the CMSC. It’s a huge honor for me to be able to continue June’s legacy and to help keep the organization moving. What an incredible team of people—a small team, but my goodness, they are mighty, and I feel quite fortunate to be counted among them and work with them to continue to evolve the organization.

IJMSC: Give us a glimpse into what your time at CMSC has been like this year.

KC: It’s been a busy but rewarding time. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with each staff member, learn about them as individuals, and gain a deeper understanding of their roles at the CMSC, IOMSN, and CMSC Foundation. This has been a valuable learning experience for me.

As a board member, I was somewhat on the outside—aware of the organization’s mission but not involved in its daily operations. Now, I’m seeing firsthand what it takes to run and advance the organization. Understanding the staff’s work has also sparked ideas about the future, though I’m not ready to propose any major changes just yet. Right now, I’m focused on learning—how things operate behind the scenes, how the annual meeting evolves from concept to execution. Ultimately, we’ll collaborate to strategize and shape what comes next.

IJMSC: Do you have a structure for your acclimation period? Are you following a plan?

KC: As an interim leader, I believe the initial focus is the stabilization of the organization—both finances and staffing. And it is vital to keep the mission and vision of the organization as the north star at all times. Later this year we will hold a strategic planning meeting as I want to ensure that the organization can grow and continues to provide quality professional education, support for providers and advocacy efforts to ensure that people with MS have the care that they need and that they deserve.

The nonprofit world is always challenged. Resources are limited, but the needs are great. We will continue to explore support opportunities to ensure that we can continue to grow and flourish.

The nonprofit world is always challenged. Resources are limited, but the needs are great.

IJMSC: I like how you've centered and ultimately lifted up what I also see as the mission and central tenets of CMSC as an organization. What might be something that CMSC needs to grow into in the near future? What challenges might be ahead?

KC: We always have to remember that our priority is supporting and educating the comprehensive care team so that people who are affected by MS have the care that they need. It’s essential to ensure the community has access to the latest information on care practices, including the recommendations and guidance our organization provides to the health care community.

We will need to develop strategic partnerships as that will help us to amplify our voice and expand our reach. That’s something we’ve always valued, and part of my role will be to continue fostering and strengthening those relationships. At the same time, I’ll be exploring new partnerships that could help us advance our mission even further.

IJMSC: The CMSC 2025 annual meeting in Phoenix is coming up quickly. What are you looking forward to at the meeting?

KC: Last year, we lost a giant in MS care, June Halper. While I am looking forward to the learning opportunities and connecting with colleagues, I am really looking forward to honoring June.

Make sure to watch the video interview with Costello; Jeff Wilken, CMSC president; and Tina Trott, CMSC director.