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The Connecticut-Rhode Island Chapter works to improve the quality of life for people affected by MS in Connecticut and Rhode Island raise funds for critical MS research. Join the movement toward a world free of MS.

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Synchrony Financial President & CEO To Be Honored At 37th Annual MS Dinner of Champions

September 1, 2015

The National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter, is proud to announce that it will honor Synchrony Financial’s Margaret Keane with the 2015 MS Hope Award at the 37th Annual MS Dinner of Champions on Thursday, November 19, at The Loading Dock in Stamford.

As President and Chief Executive Officer, Keane brings with her a passion for emerging technology and employee development, both of which have solidified her reputation as a leader in the field. Synchrony, located in Stamford, is the most valuable bank in the U.S. run by a woman. In fact, Keane is one of only two women who lead an independently traded U.S. bank whose value is over $10 billion.

Keane began her career at Citibank, where she provided leadership in Sales, Marketing and Operations over the course of 16 years. She also led the Retail Card platform at GE Capital as President and CEO beginning in 2004, later expanding her responsibilities to become President and CEO of the GE Capital Retail Finance business in 2011. In her 18 years at GE Capital, she held additional leadership roles spanning consumer finance, vendor financial services, operations and quality.

As a leader, Keane is also known for championing her employees, having initiated several development programs at GE Capital and serving on the cabinet of the GE Women’s Network. She expanded the business focus on ecommerce and mobile capabilities, developing new tools for business clients and consumers alike.

Also of note is Keane’s recognition as one of American Banker’s Top 25 Most Powerful Women in Finance for seven consecutive years. She is also the CEO and President of Retail Consumer Finance in Americas.

More than 6,500 Connecticut residents live with multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease. The cause is unknown and there is currently no cure. Symptoms can include numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more severe cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.

Funds raised through events such as this ensure ongoing scientific research to find a cure and provide for the continuation of vital programs and services offered by the chapter to Connecticut residents affected by MS.

Since the first MS Dinner of Champions in 1978, the event has honored outstanding corporate leaders and the most prominent champions in sports making a difference in their organizations and communities, including Ernst & Young, IBM, Louis Dreyfus Commodities, Mutual of America, Pfizer and Xerox Corporation. Previously honored local and national sports figures include Steve Young, Joe Namath, Frank Gifford, John Starks, Billie Jean King, Mary Lou Retton and Bobby Valentine.

For more information on the 37th Annual MS Dinner of Champions, contact Kara Preston at 860.913.2550, ext. 52533, or email kara.preston@nmss.org.

About the Connecticut-Rhode Island Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society

The Connecticut Chapter strives to provide knowledge and assistance to help people with MS and their families maintain the highest possible quality of life. These goals are achieved through vital national and local programs.

About Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Symptoms range from numbness and tingling to blindness and paralysis. The progress, severity and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot yet be predicted, but advances in research and treatment are leading to better understanding and moving us closer to a world free of MS. Most people with MS are diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 50, with at least two to three times more women than men being diagnosed with the disease. MS affects more than 2.3 million people worldwide.

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