Head of Epilepsy Foundation Steps Down

Head of Epilepsy Foundation Steps Down

WASHINGTON, DC, July 22, 2010 - The Epilepsy Foundation announced today that President and CEO, Eric R. Hargis will be moving on after 11 years of service.

“We appreciate all Eric has done for people affected by epilepsy, and wish him well in his future endeavors,” said Joyce Bender, chair of the Epilepsy Foundation board of directors.

Hargis was instrumental in the creation of a public private partnership with the US Centers for Disease Control, which formed the first national public health program on epilepsy and seizures; the development of a Health Services Research Administration program for underserved populations with epilepsy; and the development of a Speak Up Speak Out advocacy network of people with epilepsy expanding the voice of epilepsy in the national and state capitals. Annual Foundation research funding into the treatment, cure and understanding of epilepsy and seizures tripled during his leadership.

Hargis will provide support and consultation to the Foundation in the upcoming months while the Board conducts the search for a new CEO. In the interim, day-to-day management of the organization, effective immediately, will be carried out by a staff team under the leadership of Sandy Finucane, the current vice president of Legal and Government Affairs and counsel to the Foundation.  

“All scheduled programs and projects will continue as planned, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and speedy search for a new CEO,” said Bender.

A CEO search committee has been formed with Brien Smith, MD as chair. Search firms interested in being considered to conduct the search and/or interested applicants should contact Patty Dukes at pdukes@efa.org for further information.