Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance Hires Executive Director
August 16, 2016
(Durham, N.C.)—The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is pleased to announce John “Spencer” Spencer as its new executive director.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, I welcome Spencer as executive director,” said Board Chair Will McDow. “Spencer is already hard at work, moving the Alliance forward in its mission to ensure that no one faces Autoimmune Encephalitis alone.” Autoimmune Encephalitis (AE) is a rare and serious condition where the immune system attacks the brain, resulting in impaired brain function. The Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance seeks to improve the lives of patients with AE by creating a community of patients, families and caregivers and striving to find a cure through multi-disciplinary, collaborative research and clinical care.
As executive director, Spencer will oversee outreach, fundraising, and daily operations of the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance, which was founded in 2012. “I have seen, firsthand, the devastating impact Autoimmune Encephalitis can have on patients and families,” Spencer said. “It’s an honor to join the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance in their work toward a future when all patients with AE receive rapid diagnosis and effective treatment.”
Before joining the Autoimmune Encephalitis Alliance as executive director, Spencer consulted for the organization. Previously, he helped develop a business platform connecting people to the local foods. Spencer also served 11 years at Duke University’s School of Law, working in student affairs and as Registrar. Spencer is a graduate of Wake Forest University and Yale University’s Divinity School. To learn more about Spencer and the board of directors visit their profiles on the AEA website.
