ARDIT BITINCKA, MBA, President – Mr. Bitincka is originally from Albania. He received his bachelor degree from University of Toronto and MBA from Rollin’s College Crummer Graduate School of Business. It is through the Rollins leadership program that supports integration of business graduates in local non-for-profits that he joined the board of directors of EACF in 2010. Having a family member affected by epilepsy he is committed helping others get the support needed to live as normal of life as possible, as well as increase awareness and available information. Mr. Bitincka brings experience in entrepreneurship and web based companies. His professional experience includes roles in quality, project engineering, technology integration and project management, and more recently sales operations in the Power Generation industry.
KRAN RILEY, Vice President – is a retired 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 Epilepsy Association since 2000 and joined the board in 2009. His personal commitment to the Epilepsy Association 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.
Sean Fitzgerald, Secretary – Sean enthusiastically rejoins the EACF board after a 3 year hiatus during which he was recovering from a protracted health issue.
Prior to the hiatus, Sean served the Board in various capacities since 1998: originally joining as a result of having a son who was diagnosed with seizures at 4 weeks old as well as a father who had suffered seizures since being wounded in Vietnam in 1968.
Sean’s main area of interest is Veteran’s outreach. Many estimates point to at least 35% of our Nation’s homeless being disabled Military Veterans: a statistic that transcends politics and goes to our Nation’s historical approach to inadequate treatment of our military Vets.
Eric Wederbrand, Treasurer – is originally from Haddonfield, New Jersey and currently resides in Celebration with his wife and daughter. He has his undergraduate degree from West Chester University and Masters of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
He has first-hand knowledge of the challenges of dealing with adult onset epilepsy and the impact it can have on family and career. This knowledge spans across medical (both physical and emotional) and the support needed to fight back and thrive. Epilepsy will always be a part of his life experience as well as that of family and friends. That being said, he prides himself embracing challenges and living as an example that anything is possible with the right attitude and team supporting you.
He is currently responsible for managing the southern region for EPSON America and has a passion for solving business issues through technology.
In his spare time, Mr. Wederbrand is an avid, albeit highly mediocre golfer. Additionally, he and his family enjoy time spent in the many Orlando theme parks.
He looks forward serving the epilepsy community while helping people in need. His motivation every day is a simple quote… “I didn’t say it would be easy, I said it would be worth it!”
JENNIFER E. FELDER-SMITH, MBA – is the Manager of Strategic Initiatives for Tupperware Brands. Jennifer works at their headquarters in Orlando working in Global Strategy & Business Development. She is committed to serving the community and is passionate about working to help Central Florida’s youth thrive. As a result of this commitment, she is heavily involved in the community through mentoring, volunteering and fundraising. Additionally, she also serves on the Orange County Citizens Commission for Children and Leadership Council for Junior Achievement of Central Florida.
Jennifer joined the board in 2011 and has a family connection to epilepsy. Her family was able to get through trying times thanks to wonderful doctors, nurses and an Epilepsy Association support group. Jennifer is grateful to get the opportunity to pay it forward.
Bobby Isola – Mr. Isola is a Director and Principal of Cite Partners. Bobby is a member of their Central Florida Industrial (CFI) Team. He is responsible for running lead on numerous transactions, tracking and assembling all of the market data, marketing the team’s properties, and looking for new opportunities. His work ethic and commitment to his clients and his team members has been instrumental in the teams’ success.
Rebecca Devine, RN – has twenty years of clinical, sales & leadership experience. Currently, Rebecca manages a team in the Southeast for LivaNova, the device manufacturer of the VNS (vagus nerve stimulation) for the treatment of drug resistant epilepsy. Rebecca’s clinical background & pharma/surgical experiences include Neurosurgery, ENT, Orthopedic, General, Trauma, Cardiovascular, Cardiothoracic & Anesthesia markets in both the hospital & ASC marketplaces. Rebecca’s clinical acumen and devotion to providing the best in class medicine continues to drive her passion for the patient. Originally from Upstate NY, Rebecca is a sports enthusiast, enjoys beaches and books, horses and her Golden Retriever, Mellow.
JEFF DAY – Born and raised in Central Wisconsin, Jeff has spent the past 20 plus years residing here in Central Florida. A successful 30+ year career in broadcasting, ending with an 18 year stint in Orlando, he now enjoys a great opportunity with Marriott Vacation Clubs and some quieter time to take in all that Florida has to offer.
A communications major at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, Jeff enjoyed several years in the radio field as on air talent, sportscaster, and award winning production/voice-over specialist. While living in Augusta, he decided to take a hobby and turn it in to another career: After 2 ½ years of studies through MSU, he changed gears and spent 23 years as a meteorologist, which eventually brought him to Central Florida.
Involved in many community programs, one specifically reaches home for him. After years of encountering seizure activity and medicinal attempts to limit the impact, he underwent surgery at Shands/UF in Gainesville, which has nearly eliminated the effects. Grateful for all that has been tackled in his fight, he realizes that others are fighting the same challenges, and is proud to be a part of the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, Inc.; and their never ending efforts to offer support and services.
COLLEEN SALVAGE – a Past-President 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.
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 Telvision 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 Epilepsy Association since 2004.
DALE CROSSLEY, JD – is a Financial Planner and founding partner at CrossleyShear Wealth Management. For the past 20 years, Dale’s entrepreneurial spirit and passion for helping others has driven him to forge lasting relationships with his clients, helping them to achieve their short and long-term financial goals and aspirations. With a J.D. from Barry University School of Law, an M.S. in business management and a B.A. in psychology, Dale not only has helpful knowledge about legal and estate planning issues, but his background in psychology helps him understand the complex emotions behind behavioral finance.
Also active in his community, Dale is a big supporter of Merritt Island High School sports and the Cocoa and Rockledge Quarterback Clubs. He’s very passionate about causes related to chronic childhood illnesses and special needs because of his son, as well as matters pertaining to aging and the elderly. In addition to serving as a board member for the Epilepsy Association of Central Florida, Dale is a Shema Ministry Board and Scholarship Committee member and serves on the Preeclampsia Foundation Finance Committee. He also provides community financial awareness education programs.
In his free time, the Central Florida native enjoys surfing, watersports and an occasional round of golf. He has four children, Courtney, Lauren, Carrie and Dale.
AARON B. THALWITZER – is a shareholder at the law firm Gordon & Thalwitzer in Cocoa Beach, Florida. Aaron represents businesses, individuals, and public bodies throughout Central Florida in the areas of civil litigation, real estate, employment, and health law. He is a director of the West Melbourne Business Association and is proud to suppor tthe Epilepsy Association in all their work.
AHMED SADEK, M.D. – is the Director of Neurodiagnostic section, the epilepsy services and the epilepsy monitoring unit at Orlando Health. Dr. Sadek is also the founder and medical director of the Orlando Epilepsy Center and its state-of-the-art Epilepsy Monitoring Unit. Dr. Sadek is double board-certified in Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology and is also a fellowship-trained Epileptologist. With extensive training, a state-of-the-art facility, and years of experience, Dr. Sadek is revered for helping patients with Epilepsy to identify and manage their seizures in order to live life to the fullest.
Ex-Officio Members of The Board
And, Serving On Our
Epilepsy Scholarship Foundation Board
SAUNDRA GRAY – and her husband Charlie (founding partner, Gray Robinson, PA), have been involved in the original Epilepsy Association of Florida even prior to its formal institution in the early 1960s. The Grays have served on the board of directors and supported the Epilepsy Association’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 Epilepsy Association is to push for more research and better treatment for those with Epilepsy.” Saundra now serves on the Board of Directors of our Central Florida Epilepsy Scholarship Foundation.
EVAN SHEAR, CFP™ – is a founding partner at CrossleyShear Wealth Management and branch manager for Raymond James with main offices in Heathrow and Merritt Island. His dedication to client service and high standards of professional performance has earned him recognition as one of the top advisers in the firm, as well as membership to the 2018 Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisors List.
Community and philanthropic involvement is of core importance to Evan. He is a former president of the Epilepsy Association and currently serves on the Board of our Central Florida Epilepsy Scholarship Foundation. He also contributes to several charitable organizations. Passing that passion to his kids to spark the next generation of giving of their time and means is a fundamental message in his home.
Originally from New York and a graduate from the University of Florida, he is a rabid Yankee and Gator fan. He lives in Longwood.
WILLIE MAY – is a Past-President of the Epilepsy Association and the original Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. He also is a former Board Member of the Epilepsy Foundation of America and the original Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. Mr. May is retired from the practice of law and currently serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Florida A & M University College of Law and the Barry University School of Law . His valuable knowledge and experience has been and is a strong asset to Epilepsy Association. Mr. May currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Central Florida Epilepsy Scholarship Foundation.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
DAVID MANCHON – joined the Epilepsy Association February 1, 2022 after serving the past 10 years as the Director of Admissions at Bishop Moore Catholic High School (BMCHS). While there, he created and oversaw the implementation and development of the schools College & Career Center, was a member of the math department and was the head coach for wrestling, bowling and assistant track & field coach. He also served as their Public Address announcer for the Hornet Football team for 21 seasons.
“I am excited to join the Epilepsy Association as the Executive Director. I welcome the opportunity to serve the Central Florida community by ensuring those living with epilepsy have a home where they can find compassion, care and comfort.” David Manchon.
