Top Disney Communications Executive Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul is Battling MS, Will Receive Medal of Hope at Race to Erase Gala

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Veteran Disney communications executive Naomi Bulochnikov-Paul has been battling multiple sclerosis, and this June she’ll be singled out for her fight at the Race to Erase MS gala.

Founder Nancy Davis announced Thursday that Bulochnikov-Paul will be feted with a Medal of Hope at the 33rd annual gala, set to take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles on June 5. The fundraiser supports research and therapeutic approaches to eradicate MS through the foundation’s Center Without Walls. The gala will be hosted by ESPN sports analyst and TV personality Jesse Palmer, who hosts shows in The Bachelor franchise, and feature a fashion show from L’AGENCE, musical performances and more.

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“We are proud to honor Naomi with the Medal of Hope for her leadership, her advocacy and for the example she sets for others learning to navigate life after an MS diagnosis while continuing to pursue what matters most,” said Davis.

Bulochnikov-Paul responded to the honor by saying, “I’m deeply grateful to Nancy and this extraordinary organization for the role they play in helping people turn what can feel like a moment of uncertainty into one of clarity, strength, and purpose. It’s especially meaningful to stand alongside those driving real progress toward a cure and to be part of a committed, inspiring community dedicated to something far bigger than any one of us.”

It’s unclear how long the veteran communications executive has been dealing with MS but in a release about the honor, Race to Erase MS praised her for using her voice and platform “to powerfully demonstrate that an MS diagnosis may reshape aspects of life, but it does not define one’s identity or what they can accomplish.”

She has continued to soldier on in her demanding role at Disney as she leads a team across a huge stable of shows, brands and platforms. Bulochnikov-Paul leads communications strategy for Disney’s portfolio, including ABC Entertainment, ABC News, Disney Branded Television, Hulu Originals, FX and National Geographic. She was promoted in January 2023. Prior to this run at Disney, she spent nine months at Netflix in the role of director of originals publicity. Before that, she had a stint at Disney as vp of media relations at Freeform, Disney ABC Television Group. Her career also includes tenures at Crackle/Sony Pictures Television, MTV Networks and Al Jazeera America.

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