#United States #Epilepsy Foundation #Bowie #Jeannine Garab #Anna Milz

The Epilepsy Foundation of America Welcomes New Leadership

The Epilepsy Foundation of America recently announced the appointment of four remarkable individuals to its Board of Directors. Each of these new members brings a unique background and commitment to the mission of the Foundation, which aims to support the 3.4 million Americans living with epilepsy. As they join the board, their experience and insight will be integral to advancing the Foundation's objectives.

Meet the New Board Members

Jeannine Garab

Jeannine Garab is an influential figure in the epilepsy advocacy community, with over three decades of experience. As the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York since 1991, she has transformed the organization into a vital resource for 22 counties, effectively managing a budget of $1.2 million. Under her leadership, Jeannine has introduced innovative programs that improve access to care, dismantle stigma surrounding the condition, and strengthen community collaborations. Recognized with numerous awards such as the Women of Excellence Award and the Golden Circle Fundraising Award, she is also active on several boards, promoting change in healthcare policies.

Dr. Anna Milz

As a board-certified pediatrician, Dr. Anna Milz plays a critical role in primary care at M Health Fairview, University of Minnesota. Her professional insights are further deepened by her personal journey as a parent to two children with epilepsy. Dr. Milz's work focuses on patient-centered care across various disciplines, including geriatrics and nursing services. Her commitment to raising awareness about epilepsy shines through her involvement in the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota's Board of Directors, her advocacy efforts, and her philanthropic activities within her local church and community.

Cynthia B. Plawker

Cynthia Plawker brings over 35 years of wealth management experience to the board as a Principal and Wealth Advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth Management in New York. Her expertise centers around complex financial issues such as tax planning and philanthropy, which she leverages to support healthcare causes close to her heart due to her family's medical history. Cynthia’s dedication to community service is reflected in her active roles coaching youth programs and her focus on fitness and nutrition.

Kathleen W. Tregoning

Finally, Kathleen W. Tregoning is a leader with over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology sector. Her impressive career includes executive roles in significant organizations like Cerevel Therapeutics, where she has focused on stakeholder engagement and corporate affairs. Kathleen's educational background includes a degree in International Relations from Stanford and a master's in public policy from Harvard. Residing in Northern Virginia with her family, she is committed to driving advancements within the epilepsy community.

Strengthening the Mission of the Epilepsy Foundation

The addition of these four accomplished women will undoubtedly enhance the Epilepsy Foundation's capacity to serve its community effectively. According to Bernice Martin Lee, CEO of the Foundation, this new leadership not only brings diverse expertise but also a collective commitment to fostering equity in care and amplifying the voices of those affected by epilepsy.

The Foundation is dedicated to transforming the landscape for individuals living with epilepsy through increased access to care, groundbreaking research, and impactful advocacy. As part of its mission, the Foundation offers education, training, and direct services to tackle the challenges faced by the epilepsy community.

With these new board members in place, the Epilepsy Foundation is poised to amplify its initiatives and continue its critical work in supporting individuals and families affected by epilepsy, ensuring nobody has to navigate this disorder alone.

About Epilepsy and the Foundation

Epilepsy represents one of the most common chronic brain disorders worldwide, impacting individuals from all walks of life. The Epilepsy Foundation of America has been at the forefront of this fight for over five decades, focusing on education, advocacy, and groundbreaking research. Their relentless commitment facilitates community engagement and enhances support for those living with epilepsy. For more information, you can visit epilepsy.com.