ALS United Mid-Atlantic Names Tony Heyl as Next Executive Director

ALS United Mid-Atlantic has named Tony Heyl as its next Executive Director, effective on January 1, 2026. Tony Heyl will replace the current Executive Director, Jeffrey W. Cline, who is retiring from his role at the end of 2025 but will remain to lead a campaign to highlight the organization’s 50th Anniversary milestone, which will culminate in 2027.

Jeff Cline’s letter announcing the transition is available at: https://alsmidatlantic.org/reflections/

Tony Heyl lost his grandfather Regis Heyl to ALS in 2007 and joined ALS United Mid-Atlantic in July 2011, where he currently serves as Director of Communications and Public Policy. Since joining the organization, Tony has led successful awareness and advocacy initiatives that include millions of dollars in federal funding for ALS research, ACT for ALS, the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act, and The ALS Disability Insurance Access Act. Tony has also been responsible for achieving state funding for ALS care in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. In 2014, Tony oversaw local campaigns surrounding the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. In 2025, Tony helped launch the ALS United Mid-Atlantic GOALS Podcast, which is available on Spotify, iTunes, and YouTube at: https://www.youtube.com/@ALSMidAtlantic

“I am deeply honored to accept the role of Executive Director at ALS United Mid-Atlantic as we continue to make progress in ALS care, research, and advocacy,” said Tony Heyl. “The ALS cause is very personal to me, not just because I lost my grandfather to this disease, but because I have befriended so many other people with ALS and their families since joining ALS United Mid-Atlantic. I want to thank Jeff Cline, our board and staff, and especially our ALS patients and families who are the true leaders of our mission.”

 

Since 1977, ALS United Mid-Atlantic has demonstrated excellence in ALS care, research, and advocacy, including providing critical investments in local and national research projects and testimony with state and federal lawmakers. Recent progress in ALS research includes FDA approval of the genetic therapy Qalsody, advances in Brain Computer Interface, and improvements in multidisciplinary care.

ALS United Mid-Atlantic is a national leader in ALS care through the Arthur and Lea Powell Care Services Program. The care programs at ALS United Mid-Atlantic include support at 10 multidisciplinary ALS Treatment Centers serving people with ALS in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware; the Howard I. Abrams In-Home Care Program; The Marjorie Shimer Durable Medical Equipment Loan Program; The Mike Kilpatric ALS Transportation Program; The Scott A. Mackler, MD, PhD, Assistive Technology Program; The Accessibility Program; services for military veterans with ALS; educational webinars and videos; and virtual and in-person resource groups.

“I am thrilled to see that Tony Heyl has been selected as the next Executive Director for ALS United Mid-Atlantic,” said John Russo, who has been living with ALS since 2013. “People with ALS like myself live with the uncertainty of this disease every day, so it means a great deal to us to see consistency with leaders we can trust. I am grateful to Jeff Cline for his work during very challenging times and I look forward to working with Tony and the team at ALS United Mid-Atlantic as we work to end ALS.”

Team for the Philadelphia ALS United Walk
On Sunday, November 9, Tony will join members of the ALS community at Citizens Bank Park for the Philadelphia ALS United Walk. The ALS United Walk is ALS United Mid-Atlantic’s #1 fundraising event, bringing together family, friends, and coworkers to show that no one faces ALS alone. Everyone is welcome to join Tony’s team, Team ALS United to End ALS.

 

About ALS United Mid-Atlantic
The mission of ALS United Mid-Atlantic is to unite and empower the ALS community through a collaborative approach to fostering bold research initiatives, advancing national and state advocacy, and providing comprehensive care and support to individuals and families affected by ALS. Each year, ALS United Mid-Atlantic serves over 1,200 people with ALS and their families across the eastern half of Pennsylvania, central and southern New Jersey, and the state of Delaware. To learn more, visit www.alsmidatlantic.org and follow across social media @alsmidatlantic.