Report from the Chair

Bill Braunlich, Chair,
Epilepsy Foundation 2003-2005

As the parent of a child with epilepsy, I was first drawn to my local Epilepsy Foundation as a volunteer. There I both experienced and observed the supportive services that truly make a difference in improving people’s lives.

As a business person, I am privileged also to serve with the outstanding business and healthcare professionals and family representatives on the national Board of Directors, the past two years as Board Chair.

All organizations grow in stages. It has been apparent to me as someone grounded in business – and to others, as well – that the Foundation had reached a level where it is important to move on to a new stage of development. This year, the second of my two-year term, has been a continuation of the dialogue among stakeholders concerning the Epilepsy Foundation’s financial, programmatic and organizational future.

Progress has again been made this year in establishing better communications and promoting greater affiliate participation in national decisions. Work also began on task force recommendations for achieving greater public awareness and support of the Epilepsy Foundation and the important services it provides in communities across the nation.

Several new initiatives were introduced to strengthen and support the Epilepsy Foundation’s local affiliates. Among them is an annual leadership conference, the first of which was held in October. This annual conference is focused on building local capacity through education, information sharing, and staff skills development.

Virtually all voluntary health organizations are faced with a demand for services well beyond their financial abilities to meet every need. To assist its affiliates in expanding their service to the community, the Epilepsy Foundation has introduced a program of competitive Opportunity Grants. The grants, which support activities ranging from family educational materials development and conferences to public awareness programs, are supported through arrangements with several of our funding partners.

It has been a great honor to serve as Board Chair during this period of transition. The transition is ongoing, of course. And, I know that Tony Coelho, who succeeds me as Chair, is unmatched in the dedication, influence and special expertise he brings to our organization as a former U.S. Congressman and the principal author of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Among future challenges facing Tony and the Epilepsy Foundation national and local Boards of Directors is the challenge of developing standards of performance under the strategic plan and implementing them nationwide.

Finally, I am extremely grateful to have had this opportunity to serve the epilepsy cause. And, I thank the Epilepsy Foundation’s staff and volunteers at all levels for the excellent cooperation and courtesy extended to me throughout my term as Chair.

Bill Braunlich
Chair, Board of Directors