Brandi Underwood Named Executive Director of the International FOXP1 Foundation
- mbeach84
- May 21
- 2 min read
Updated: May 22
The International FOXP1 Foundation (IFF) is proud to announce the appointment of Brandi Underwood as its first Executive Director. FOXP1 syndrome is a rare genetic disorder characterized by delays in early motor and language milestones, mild-to-severe intellectual deficits, speech and language impairment and behavior abnormalities. As the condition is still being studied, researchers are learning more about its impact on neurodevelopment.
As Executive Director, Brandi is responsible for leading the organization through its next phase of development and fulfilling the strategic vision of the International FOXP1 Foundation’s Board of Directors.
“We are incredibly excited to be bringing Brandi into the organization as our first Executive Director. We look forward to working closely with Brandi to help us increase our programming, outreach, and financial sustainability to best meet the FOXP1 community's needs,” Foundation co-Presidents Cheryl Richt and Karl Whitney said.
FOXP1 mutations are rare, but more and more cases are being identified as genetic testing becomes more widespread. Each year dozens of new cases are identified around the globe. There are likely many more people carrying mutations in the gene who have not yet been diagnosed.
“Joining the International FOXP1 Foundation as its first Executive Director is an incredible honor,” said Underwood. I am excited to expand the Foundation’s success built by families who worked together to create the community they needed. I am here to carry that momentum forward by growing our impact and securing the resources needed to support families, drive awareness, and extend our global reach", said Brandi.
Brandi brings almost 15 years of diverse experience with half of that in the nonprofit sector developing an expertise in leading programs, securing resources, and building meaningful partnerships. Her last four and a half years have been dedicated to the rare disease space, equipping her with the insight and experience to lead the International FOXP1 Foundation forward to expand its reach and impact.
Join us in welcoming Brandi to the FOXP1 Community! We are also excited to share that she will be joining us at the upcoming 2025 Family Conference in the Netherlands.
While registration is closed for the 2025 Family Conference, followers should check the conference page for a livestream link during the event, and to access session recordings that may be presented afterward.
About the International FOXP1 Foundation
The International FOXP1 Foundation’s mission is to build a global community that empowers and supports families and individuals with FOXP1 syndrome by sharing knowledge, inspiring hope, supporting research, and raising awareness.
In 2018, a group of parents in France gathered to share their experiences. The following year, in June 2019, twenty families from several countries attended a conference at The Seaver Autism Center at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. Building on the conference's success, parent volunteers launched The International FOXP1 Foundation (IFF), which was officially established in the fall of 2020. The foundation, with its Board of Directors, is dedicated to working with medical professionals and organizations to advance knowledge and resources for those affected by FOXP1 syndrome.
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