Our Staff at The Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut

Linda A. Wallace Executive Director

linda@epilepsyct.com
Linda is the Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, Inc. and has served in this capacity for over 30 years. As a parent of a young adult with epilepsy, Linda has both a personal and professional commitment to people with epilepsy. She, along with a group of other parents, worked tirelessly to establish a place where people with epilepsy and their families could turn to for support.

Under her leadership, the organization grew from a local support group with a budget of $30,000 to a state affiliate with a budget of close to $600,000. Among her accomplishments are the production of two nationally marketed educational programs, “A Child Provider’s Guide” for day care centers and “Take Charge,” video for teens. She was also responsible for establishing “Camp Courage”, the first camp in New England for children and teens with epilepsy. Linda was also elected by her peers to serve for 6 years as a member of the Management & Operations Team, a group that represents the affiliate network and works closely with National staff.

Over the years Linda has established relationships with state agencies that impact people with epilepsy. She served as Chair of the Bureau of Rehab Services Advisory Council for eight years and the co-chair of the UConn Center of Excellence for persons with disabilities. She was recently appointed to serve on a Task Force to Increase Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities.

Linda graduated with high honors from Middlesex Community College and prior to her daughter’s diagnosis, received a scholarship from Trinity College’s Individualized Degree Program to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English and Social Work.

John Wood Project Manager

john@epilepsyct.com
John joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut full time in January 2015. The work of the Foundation is personal to John as he has a cousin that is affected by epilepsy.

He plays an integral role in many areas of the Foundation. This includes administrative support, bookkeeping, budgeting and other finance activities, communications, database management, development, fundraising, and operations. John enjoys the day to day uniqueness of his role at the Foundation and has contributed greatly to the growth of the organization.

John has a BA in accounting from Central Connecticut State University and MBA from the University of New Haven. Outside of work, John likes to relax while watching the latest Netflix hit show or sporting event of the day and enjoys golf or other outdoor exercise when the weather cooperates.

Michael Finley Government Relations Advocate

michael@epilepsyct.com
Mike joined the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut in the fall of 2017 working as the Government Relations Advocate. Mike brings extensive knowledge of the ins and outs of the Connecticut General Assembly including tracking the progress of legislation and regulations, conducting research, mobilizing grassroots movements and managing client relations. Mike is an accomplished government relations professional whose main goal is to promote policies that are in the best interest of the epilepsy community in Connecticut on both the state and federal levels.

Prior to joining EFCT, Mike had extensive lobbying experience working with corporate, medical, municipal and non-profit clients. He has interned for the state’s largest, nonpartisan organization of municipal leaders, representing towns and cities of all sizes from all corners of the state. He was also previously a registered lobbyist for one of the top ten lobbying firms in Connecticut.

He credits his passion for government relations to his family’s rich history in Connecticut politics. His family members have been involved in government relations for decades including his great grandfather, Robert A. Hurley, who was the governor of Connecticut from 1941-1943.

Outside of work, Mike is an avid sports fan rooting for the Atlanta Falcons and Boston Red Sox.