SOURCE: Autism Speaks
New York, N.Y. (January 14, 2016) – Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, today announced that Angela Timashenka Geiger has been named president and CEO of the organization. The appointment came after a unanimous vote by the Autism Speaks Board of Directors and is effective February 2016.
“We are thrilled that Angela will be joining our team,” said Autism Speaks Chairman of the Board Brian Kelly. “She is a visionary, with a history of leadership and a record of accomplishment in family services, supporting the field, driving revenue, and advancing science and advocacy priorities. Her strong record of success and experience makes Angela the perfect person to lead our team into the next decade.”
Geiger has significant experience in strategic marketing, program development, revenue development, and field support for nonprofits. She will join the organization from the Alzheimer’s Association where she most recently served as chief strategy officer. As a member of the Alzheimer’s Association senior management team, Geiger worked day-to-day across all divisions and with the chapters to coordinate and execute strategy and accelerate organizational growth. She has had accountability for more than $280 million in annual fundraising, programs and services reaching over three million people per year, as well as branding and marketing, corporate initiatives and diversity and inclusion. She has successfully led Association efforts to develop and expand programmatic offerings, marketing and fundraising to increase concern and awareness, and improve the lives of those affected.
“It is truly an honor to be joining an organization that has had such a profound impact in 10 short years and I thank Brian and the Autism Speaks board for their vote of confidence in me,” Geiger said. “There is much work to be done for the millions impacted by autism around the globe. I look forward to leading and collaborating toward a common goal — a world that is a more accepting and supportive place for all those with autism.”
Prior to joining the Alzheimer’s Association, Geiger spent eight years at the American Cancer Society in a variety of leadership roles. During her tenure, she developed and implemented a business-to-business sales and market strategy to increase mission reach and revenue. She also worked for the American Lung Association of Western Pennsylvania and for higher education institutions.
She has her B.A. and MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and has contributed to a variety of conferences and publications.
Geiger succeeds Liz Feld, who announced in September that she planned to step down from her position as president.
“We are so grateful to Liz for her passion and drive,” Kelly said. “Under her leadership we have developed strong partnerships to advance critical research, advocacy, and awareness initiatives that will have lasting benefit for the autism community. We all thank her for her tireless commitment.”
About Autism
Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders – autism spectrum disorders – caused by a combination of genes and environmental influences. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by communication difficulties, social and behavioral challenges, and repetitive behaviors. An estimated 1 in 68 children in the U.S. is on the autism spectrum.
About Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $570 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 70 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.
