Epilepsy Foundation Announces New Vice President of Programs and Services

Landover, MD – The Epilepsy Foundation, the nation’s leader in epilepsy and seizure information and engagement, announces Steve Owens, MD, MPH, MA as the new Vice President of Programs and Services. Dr. Owens will enhance the direction of the programs and community services of the Foundation to meet the needs of the 3 million people living epilepsy and their caregivers.

Dr. Owens brings over 15 years of proven public health leadership and is a seasoned family medicine and public health trained physician with expertise in minority health issues. As former Director of Health Equity for the Directors of Health Promotion and Education (DHPE), Dr. Owens provided technical assistance to state, territorial and local departments of health to address health inequities through public health systems, environmental change tools, and geographic analyses of market research data to plan and inform effective health programs. Under his leadership, over 600 students of minority-serving institutions (Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving Institutions and Tribal Colleges and Universities) received training in public health.

“I am thrilled to join the Epilepsy Foundation and look forward to contributing to the Foundation’s work in making a positive difference in the lives of people living with epilepsy and their families. I seek to strengthen the Foundation’s existing partnerships and build new and diverse connections to enhance and expand the Foundation’s programs and services.” - Dr. Steve Owens, Vice President of Programs and Services at the Epilepsy Foundation

Dr. Owens received a master’s degree in biology from Hampton University, a master’s degree in public health with a focus on international health policy and management from Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University and a MD from the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.

“We are excited to have someone of Steve’s reputation and experience join us at the Epilepsy Foundation,” said Philip M. Gattone, president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation. “We take pride in knowing our programs and services are strengthening and educating communities all around the country for people living with epilepsy and their caregivers. With Dr. Owens’ leadership, we are sure to expand our reach and ability to improve and save more lives.”

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About Epilepsy

When a person has two unprovoked seizures or one unprovoked seizure with the likelihood of more, they are considered to have epilepsy. Epilepsy affects 3 million people in the U.S. and 65 million worldwide. This year, another 150,000 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy. Despite all available treatments, 4 out of 10 people with epilepsy continue to experience uncontrolled seizures while many more experience less than optimal seizure control.

 About the Epilepsy Foundation

The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with nearly 50 local organizations throughout the U.S., has led the fight against seizures since 1968. The Foundation is an unwavering ally for individuals and families impacted by epilepsy and seizures. The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is: to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. The Foundation works to ensure that people with seizures have the opportunity to live their lives to their fullest potential. For additional information, please visit epilepsy.com.

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