Epilepsy Foundation of America Welcomes Four New Members to National Board of Directors

BOWIE, Md., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Epilepsy Foundation of America is proud to announce the appointment of four distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors. With their diverse expertise, unwavering commitment to community, and passion for advancing the Foundation's mission, these new members bring fresh perspectives and invaluable insights to help drive progress for the 3.4 million people living with epilepsy in the United States. Their collective vision will strengthen the Foundation's ongoing efforts to expand access to care, accelerate research, and help create a world where no one faces epilepsy alone.

Jeannine Garab is a seasoned epilepsy advocate and nonprofit leader with over 30 years of experience. Since 1991, she has served as Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Northeastern New York, growing it into a $1.2 million regional resource serving 22 counties. She has expanded services, built staff capacity, and launched innovative programs that improve care access, reduce stigma, and strengthen community partnerships. Nationally, she serves on the Epilepsy Foundation of America's Affiliate Board of Advisors and chairs the New York State Epilepsy Coalition Board. Her leadership has earned multiple honors, including the Women of Excellence Award, the Golden Circle Fundraising Award, and the Excellence in Local Impact Award. Passionate about collaboration, she works closely with healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders to drive meaningful change for people with epilepsy and their families.

Anna Milz, MD, MPH, is a Board-Certified Pediatrician and Vice President of Medical Practice – Primary Care at M Health Fairview at the University of Minnesota, where she leads strategies to deliver patient-centered care across primary care, including geriatrics, acute and diagnostic clinics, and nursing services. As the parent of two children with epilepsy, Dr. Milz brings both personal insight and professional expertise to her role on the Epilepsy Foundation of Minnesota's Board of Directors. Her dedication is driven by a passion to raise awareness, foster community, and improve care for those living with epilepsy. Outside of her professional and board service, she enjoys volunteering in her church and school district, and cherishes life with her spouse, three children, and two energetic doodles.

Cynthia B. Plawker is a Principal and Wealth Advisor at Bernstein Private Wealth Management in New York, where she has provided comprehensive investment planning and investment management services to high-net-worth individuals, families, nonprofit organizations, trusts, estates and pension plans for more than 35 years. She specializes in complex wealth management issues including tax and estate planning, retirement planning, multigenerational wealth transfer, philanthropy and planning for the sale of privately held businesses. Cynthia has a strong commitment to giving back. Inspired by her own family's medical history, she has a particular interest in supporting healthcare causes and is a proud member of the Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center's Harvey E. Nussbaum, MD Society. She also coached and supported youth through soccer and martial arts programs and is passionate about fitness, nutrition, and enjoys hiking. Cynthia holds an MBA in Finance and International Business from New York University Stern School of Business and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Michigan.

Kathleen W. Tregoning is a purpose-driven leader with more than 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, spanning start-ups to global enterprises. She has guided organizations through growth, transformation, and change while holding senior leadership roles focused on strategic initiatives and stakeholder engagement. Kathleen most recently served as Chief Corporate Affairs Officer and Head of Commercial Strategy at Cerevel Therapeutics, leading communications, advocacy, policy, investor relations and commercial planning until its 2024 acquisition by AbbVie. She previously held executive roles at Sanofi and Biogen, advancing global external affairs and patient-focused strategies. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of Spero Therapeutics. She began her career in management consulting and later served as a professional staff member on Capitol Hill. A Stanford graduate in International Relations, she also earned a master's in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School. She lives in northern Virginia with her husband and two children.

"We are honored to welcome these four accomplished women to our Board of Directors," said Bernice Martin Lee, Chief Executive Officer, Epilepsy Foundation of America. "Each brings distinct expertise that will strengthen our ability to serve the epilepsy community. Their dedication to advancing equity in care, amplifying the voices of patients and families, and driving progress in research makes them invaluable partners in our mission. Their leadership will help us turn vision into action as we work toward a world where everyone with epilepsy feels safe and supported."

The Foundation is excited to welcome these exceptional leaders to our Board and looks forward to the impact their expertise, vision, and passion will bring to our mission.

About Epilepsy
Epilepsy is the most common chronic brain disorder in the world, affecting people of all ages, races, and backgrounds. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3.4 million Americans live with active epilepsy. The condition is defined by a tendency to experience seizures—sudden, abnormal bursts of electrical activity in the brain that can disrupt behavior, awareness, and bodily control. Beyond seizures, epilepsy can also lead to challenges such as fatigue, memory difficulties, mood changes, anxiety, and trouble concentrating, all of which can significantly impact daily life. Visit epilepsy.com to learn more.

About the Epilepsy Foundation of America
The Epilepsy Foundation America is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by epilepsy through education, advocacy, research, and connection. For more than 50 years, the Foundation has led efforts to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for policies that make a meaningful difference for individuals living with epilepsy. We also fund cutting-edge research and support early-career investigators working to discover new treatments and therapies. Through our nationwide network of local offices and community partners, the Foundation expands access to care, provides seizure recognition and first aid training, and delivers direct services to those in need. To learn more visit epilepsy.com or call 1.800.332.1000; in Spanish laepilepsia.org or call 866.748.8008.

SOURCE Epilepsy Foundation