Epilepsy Foundation Oregon Appoints New Executive Director

Seasoned Nonprofit Veteran to Expand the Foundation Serving 43,000 People Living with Epilepsy in Oregon 

Portland, Ore. — Epilepsy Foundation Oregon, a nonprofit organization serving people living with epilepsy across the state and Southwest Washington, today announced the appointment of Aric Hareland, M.Ed., as executive director. Hareland brings more than five years of experience with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

 

"This is a pivotal time for Epilepsy Foundation Oregon and I'm excited to join this talented, heartwarming and enthusiastic team," said Hareland. "I look forward to working with everyone in this fight to END EPILEPSY^® in Oregon as we continue to serve the 43,000 people in the region living with epilepsy."

Prior to joining the Epilepsy Foundation, Hareland served as the Regional Manager of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation's (JDRF) Western States where he expanded the JDRF Ride to Cure in the west resulting in 100 percent revenue and participation increases during his tenure.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Aric to our epilepsy family as we expand the chapter and focus our services in Oregon and Southwest Washington," said Bob Schommer, Epilepsy Foundation Oregon Advisory Board Chair. "His experience in, and knowledge of, strategic planning and development, and fundraising make him well qualified to lead the Foundation in our next phase of growth. With Aric at the helm, we look forward to serving even more people with epilepsy and their families in our region."

Originally from Fargo, ND, Hareland graduated in 2000 from North Dakota State University with an emphasis in Biology. In 2013, he completed a master's degree from the University of Minnesota in Organizational Leadership.

About Epilepsy
According to the World Health Organization, epilepsy is the most common serious brain disorder worldwide with no age, racial, social class, national or geographic boundaries. There are more than twice as many people with epilepsy in the U.S. as the number of people with cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, and cystic fibrosis, combined. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) estimates that 3.4 million people in the United States live with active epilepsy. It is the underlying tendency of the brain to produce seizures which are sudden abnormal bursts of electrical energy that disrupt brain functions. 

About Epilepsy Foundation Oregon
As a chapter of the national Epilepsy Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation Oregon serves more than 43,000 people living with epilepsy across the state and Southwest Washington. The Foundation is leading the fight to END EPILEPSY^® in Oregon by supporting and mobilizing the epilepsy community through educational activities, direct services, advocacy, as well as research to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. For more information please visit EpilepsyOregon.org. 

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