The Encephalitis411 Board of Directors is comprised of passionate individuals who share a mission to improve the quality of life for those impacted by encephalitis. They bring together decades of professional expertise, lived patient experience, and long-term vision in achieving Encephalitis411 goals in research, awareness, and advocacy.
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Becky Dennis, PresidentBecky Dennis has served as the president of Encephalitis411 since its founding and serves as a patient advocate through speaking engagements and informative patient/caregiver sessions. As a survivor and an “Expert by Experience,” she consults with patients in their diagnosis and recovery journey to provide guidance. She is also the author of the book, “Brain Wreck.”
Becky has served on multiple nonprofit boards throughout her tenure, including Encephalitis Global, The Turning Point and LifePoint. She is also a former guest lecturer on entrepreneurism and journalism with the University of North Texas. In her business career, Becky was a business development and marketing consultant. She’s most known for building, launching, and executing programs that fuel growth in global companies. Becky’s strong business acumen was developed in professional services B2B companies where her leadership roles included chief marketing officer, senior vice president of influencer relations, and vice president of business development and marketing. Even in a volatile economy, Becky’s visionary approach has produced exceptional results for her employers, including closing more than $9 billion in total contract value during her career. Danita Lewis, VIce PresidentDanita Lewis brings over 15 years of expertise in Human Capital Management, having held strategic HR roles within several Fortune 100 companies. In the past decade, she has leveraged her experience to transition into business consulting, partnering with global executives to assess, select, and implement transformative technology solutions that align with executive visions and strategic objectives.
As a recognized thought leader, Danita has lectured at the University of Dallas Graduate School of International Business, where she shares her insights on navigating cultural dynamics and addressing the complexities of global markets. She is also a sought-after speaker at international business forums, where she discusses emerging trends in HR, global business strategy, and cultural adaptation. Danita is deeply committed to the non-profit sector, demonstrated by her recent completion of a Grant Writing Certification in 2025 and her current pursuit of the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation, a nationally recognized credential in fundraising excellence. Her work with Encephalitis411 highlights her passion for merging faith and purpose, raising critical awareness, and delivering impactful support to the encephalitis community. |
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Angela Martin, SecretaryAngela Martin has worked for over 30 years in the environmental field. Possessing a B.S in Health and an M.S. in Environmental Science, she has worked in both the public and private sector on a variety of environmental issues and remediation projects. She brings decades of experience in management, public engagement through initiatives, outreach, and education, and uniting government and industry towards resolution of common goals.
Angela brings an enthusiasm for the Encephalitis411 cause being a family member of an encephalitis survivor and witnessing first-hand the many opportunities for improvement throughout the stage cycles of the illness, from diagnosis through to recovery. |
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JOHN BADURA, TreasurerJohn J. Badura is the Principal and Founder of Noblewest, a commercial real estate investment and development firm based in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr. Badura also owns Noblewest Real Estate LLC, a licensed real estate brokerage company focusing on the Purchase, Sale, and Property Management of commercial and residential real estate. He has been a principal and/or manager in over 30 legal entities/corporations/companies, including the management, forward planning, entitlements, financing, construction, bookkeeping, and tax preparation and reporting for these entities.
Mr. Badura has also been the Treasurer and Board Member of Scout Troop 869 in Scottsdale, Arizona since 2018. In his free time, John enjoys travelling and the outdoors; including hiking, boating, and Scouting with his wife and two sons. In witnessing the immense impact encephalitis has on its survivors and their families, John has a strong desire to see the awareness, advocacy, and research of this disease continue to advance through platforms such as Enchephalitis411, in hopes of assisting all those in which “E” has affected. |
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Chris MaxwellChris Maxwell is in his 20th year as Campus Pastor and Director of Spiritual Life at Emmanuel College after serving 19 years as lead pastor in Orlando, Florida, and five years of youth ministry. Chris speaks around the world in churches, retreat centers, conferences, medical conventions and schools, and is the author of twelve books, including “Equilibrium: 31 Ways to Stay Balanced on Life's Uneven Surfaces” and his latest book, “Things We’ve Handed Down: Twelve Letters I Leave for You.” Chris is the co-host of Next Step Leadership podcast.
His book, “Changing My Mind” chronicles Chris’ battle with the life-changing experience of encephalitis and the long-term effects of epilepsy. “Underwater: When Encephalitis, Brain Injury, and Epilepsy Change Everything,” helps readers understand the painful adventure of many people who struggle. Chris has used his disability as an opportunity to bring hope to many hurting people. In addition to being an author and editor, Chris writes articles, reviews, curriculum, poetry, songs, commercials and speeches for various magazines, publishing companies, websites, and newspapers. Check out his website www.chrismaxwell.me, pick up his books on Amazon, and follow him on Twitter @CMaxMan |
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Jacob SavoieJacob Savoie works in business development in the oil and gas industry for Lisega, Inc., an international supplier of piping products. Raised in south Louisiana, he holds a B.S. in Business Management from Louisiana State University, a degree which he earned during his challenging recovery from herpes simplex encephalitis in his senior year of college. It is his drive for success which helped inspire his journey to graduation, then launching his sales career in supplying capital projects to the industrial sector throughout the country.
As a survivor of HSE, Jacob has helped raise awareness for survivors and families by producing the full-length film, My Missing Mind. He told the story to help educate survivors and families on the impact of encephalitis, while also giving hope of recovery to those in need. He has also worked with Encephalitis411 on presentations and virtual interviews, and is passionate about helping to educate others about the illness. |