CHUCK CARMEN has been EACF’s Executive Director since 1994. Chuck has been selected by Southeast Association Magazine as one of the four most influential Executives in the Southeast and is a Board Member of the Florida Society of Association Executives. Chuck is only the second Executive Director in EACF’s long history and, is the longest serving Epilepsy Executive Director in Florida. In addition to managing the day-to-day operations of EACF, his experience and knowledge has certified him as an “expert witness” where he has testified in numerous high profile cases. Personally he has conducted hundreds of presentations, seminars, and training programs on all aspects of epilepsy as well as becoming one of the nation’s leaders in the education and prevention of Shaken Baby Impact Syndrome.
TERI REED - 2012 EACF Board President, Financial Advisor, West Volusia Wealth Management Group, P.A. Teri moved to Florida after growing up in Southern California and receiving a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pacific in Stockton California.
Teri joined West Volusia Wealth Management Group, P.A. after working at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney from April 2001 to August 2011. Her state licenses are extensive including AZ, CO, FL, IA, KY, NC, OR,PA, TN, and VA.
Her memberships include the Vice President of the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida from 2008 to 2012, President of the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida 2012 and Daytona Beach International Festival Volunteer since 2009. She has also been a member of MainStreet DeLand, The Kiwanis Club, and Business Professional Women.
SEAN M. FITZGERALD was 2011′s board president and is a senior restaurant operations manager and developer. He is a former member of the Orlando Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, and current board member of the City of Lake Mary Code Enforcement board. Sean has a personal cause for his involvement with EACF. His father has epilepsy that was trauma induced by injuries in Vietnam, and Sean’s sonwas born with Epilepsy. Sean intends to expand the image and presence of the EACF throughout Central Florida so that no one with epilepsy/seizure disorder lacks medical care regardless of economic circumstances.
KAY TAYLOR, MSN, ARNP has been committed to Pediatric neurosurgery and Pediatric neurology for 18 years helping children with neurological problems and seizures. So many children are affected with epilepsy in the United States and Orlando. It makes day-to-day living difficult, and touches all aspects of their lives. The Pediatric Neurology office has worked closely with the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida. Kay was the catalyst for the inaugural epilepsy walk raising money and awareness for children with seizures. Kay says, “If I can make a difference in the life of a child and their family, then my purpose is fulfilled!”
EVAN SHEAR, CFP has served on the board of directors and supported the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida for 5 years.Evan is a founding partner and Branch Manager of The CrossleyShear Group, the top ranking independent Raymond James Financial Services firm in Florida with main offices in Heathrow and Merritt Island. His dedication to client service and high standards of professional performance has earned him recognition and membership in Raymond James Executive and Leaders Councils for the last five years. Evan also serves as head coach on his son’s Lake Mary Pop Warner Junior Pee Wee Team, is a member of the Seminole County Chamber of Commerce, and teaches financial workshops for Florida Institute of Technology and Future Investors Clubs of America. He was introduced to EACF by friend Chuck Carmen and since then it has become one of his core charities.
BILL DENIUS is Past-President and member of the Board Of Directors of the Epilepsy Association Of Central Florida, Inc. serving on the Board for several years. Bill is a partner and attorney with the law firm of Killgore, Pearlman, Stamp, Ornstein & Squires, P.A. As Past-President of the EACF, Bill has played an active role in the success of EACF; and intends to continue to assist and serve the EACF and our Central Florida communities in accomplishing its mission.
KRAN RILEY is the manager of Wayne Densch Charities and serves on the Community Action Board of Orange County and the YMCA Metro Board. His contributions to our Central Florida communities include, working with kids at the Darrell Armstrong basketball camp, and during the season he takes deserving kids to see the Orlando Magic. He also provides guidance to low-income families in order for them to learn to become self-sufficient and positive role models. Kran has been involved with the EACF since 2000 and joined the board in 2009. His personal commitment to the EACF and our Central Florida Community ensures that families receive the proper treatment and support for their loved ones affected with epilepsy and seizure disorders. Kran is dedicated to helping people and spreading the spirit of hope.
GEORGE NAHAS is a respected figure in the automotive industry throughout the Southeast. His General Motors dealerships receive consistent top honors in performance, service and customer satisfaction. In 2002 TIME Magazine named him the “Quality Dealer of the Year.” He is currently the director of the Central Florida Auto Dealers Association and the National Automobile Dealers Association and is actively working with congress in a supportive role. He is a featured media speaker and consults with broadcasters through the Conference for Television and Radio Executives Television Bureau of Advertising and the National Association of Broadcasters. George was a catalyst and benefactor in the development of the new CFADA Professional Automotive Training Center at Seminole State College in Seminole County Florida. He has held the position of Vice President on the Board of Directors for EACF since 2004.
GRADY Mc BRIDE, MD is a native of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Dr. McBride earned both his B.S. degree in engineering physics and his M.D. degree from the University of Oklahoma. He completed his residency in orthopaedic surgery at the University of Utah Affiliated Hospitals, and later studied prosthetics and rehabilitation at the University of California Los Angeles. He studied biomedical engineering at the University of Utah, Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Sciences. Dr. McBride has been a physician at Orlando Orthopaedic Center for the past 27 years. He has a strong, personal interest in being involved with EACF as someone in his family was diagnosed with the condition.
Aaron B. Thalwitzer is an attorney at Zies Widerman & Malek, PL. Aaron practices commercial litigation and intellectual property law. He is a Member of the Legal Studies Advisory Board of Keiser University, Orlando and is active in the Justice Teaching program of the Florida Bar. A published author, Aaron is also a contributor on TacticalIP.com, an online intellectual property magazine.
COLLEEN SALVAGE is the owner of AdDesign of Central Florida. She is a 30 year veteran of the advertising industry working with SunTrust, General Motors, Subaru, ABC Television, and the CF Auto Dealers Association. Colleen has assisted with major Congressional initiatives and is also the past president of the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida. She is currently involved with organizing the Chevrolet Fireball Run, headquartered at Universal Studios Florida.
Steven S. Woods, LUTCF earned designations in 2010 as a Life Underwriter Training Council Fellow (LUTCF) from the American College in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, and is currently in the process of earning his Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation. Steve helps employers implement and service existing group benefits, recommends changes when appropriate and helps communicate the benefits to employees on a regular basis. He handles all aspects of tracking for enrollments and terminations for employers as needed. In May of 2008 Elite Financial Partners was formed; a team of experienced advisors working together with one common goal: to help clients keep their promises.
SAUNDRA GRAY and her husband Charlie (founding partner, Gray Robinson, PA) have been involved in the Epilepsy Association of Florida even prior to its formal institution in the early 1960’s. The Grays have served on the board of directors and supported the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida’s efforts to increase research, treatment, educate the public and help more patients and families. Saundra says, “We have a great opportunity to showcase cooperation with what is going to be a world-class medical school here in Central Florida. The University of Central Florida’s Medical School presence will enhance medical care and innovative thinking not only in Central Florida but throughout the state.” Saundra and Charlie Gray were the first couple to receive the LeRoy Collins Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes those who have demonstrated exemplary leadership abilities in an effort to improve the quality of life for current and future generations of Floridians. Saundra served on the Jacksonville Federal Reserve board and Atlanta Federal Reserve board, as well as the St. John’s River Water Management Governing Board for 8 years, 2 as Chairman. Saundra adds, “Our main purpose now with EACF is to push for more research and better treatment for those with Epilepsy.”
Jennifer E. Felder – Vice President of MBAA-EAMBA 19
