The CMT Research Foundation (CMTRF), a nonprofit focused on treatments and cures for Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease, has named founding board member Cleary Simpson CEO and appointed co-founder Susan Ruediger Chief Mission Officer.

CMT encompasses a group of inherited, chronic peripheral neuropathies that result in nerve degradation, and patients suffer from progressive muscle atrophy of legs and arms causing walking, running and balance problems and abnormal hand and foot functioning. CMT affects one in 2,500 people -- about the same prevalence as multiple sclerosis -- including 150,000 Americans and nearly 3 million people around the world. Currently, there is no treatment or cure.

Prior to co-founding CMTRF, Simpson had an extensive career in media and marketing, including former managing director of MediaLink and a variety of senior marketing and publishing positions at Time Warner and Time Inc.

Prior to her new role as Chief Mission Officer, Ruediger was founder and CEO of CMTRF, and will continue to serve on its board.

Also joining the CMTRF is George Simpson, who moves from advisor to full-time director of communications. Simpson is a long-time advertising and media industry public relations executive, as well as a former MediaPost columnist.