February 12, 2020
Steven J. Farella ’77SVC, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins College of Professional Studies (CCPS) Advisory Board Chair, was recently named Chairman of the Board of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Mr. Farella has served on MDA’s board for several years and most recently head its Governance Committee. He joins Donald S. Wood, Ph.D., who will serve as Vice Chairman of the Board.
“We are very pleased that both Steven and Donald have accepted their new positions on the Board of the Muscular Dystrophy Association,” said Lynn O’Connor Vos, MDA President and Chief Executive Officer. “They have been tremendous assets to building our organization’s future, and their leadership helps us as we continue to evolve our organization’s mission and vision for the future.”
MDA’s mission is to free individuals from the harm of muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related muscle-debilitating diseases that take away physical strength, independence, and life.
“I look forward to working with Don, helping to guide the Muscular Dystrophy Association during this pivotal time,” said Mr. Farella, who is Chair of the Board of Directors of MDC Media Partners, as well as Principal of VFL Investment & Advisory.
A recipient of the CCPS Alumni Outstanding Achievement Award, Mr. Farella has been honored with induction into St. John’s University’s Heritage Circle. The Farella Innovation Laboratory, a hands-on design and test space on campus where St. John’s students learn how to develop new ideas and products and transform them into “sellable” output, is dedicated in his name.
“I wish to congratulate Steve for this distinguished honor,” said Katia Passerini, Ph.D., PMP, The Lesley H. and William L. Collins Distinguished Chair and Dean of CCPS. “I know that he will do so much for the association and its mission because I have witnessed firsthand how involved, committed, and creative he is at St. John’s in his role as the Chair of the Advisory Board. His passion and compassion make him a true innovator with a Vincentian spirit.”