Atlanta Executive Leadership Council (ELC)

Autism Speaks is dedicated to creating an inclusive world for all individuals with autism throughout their lifespan. We do this through advocacy, services, supports, research and innovation, and advances in care for autistic individuals and their families.

Engaged and committed leadership volunteers working nationwide are vital to achieving this mission. Executive Leadership Councils play an integral role in raising funds, growing new relationships, and advancing Autism Speaks’ mission objectives. Council members are high-caliber leadership volunteers who partner with staff to move the mission of Autism Speaks forward.

Atlanta Executive Leadership Council (ELC) purpose 

The purpose of the Executive Leadership Council is to advance the mission and income goals of Autism Speaks in Key Markets across the country. Aligned with the nationwide Autism Speaks business plan, the ELC offers members the opportunity to lead revenue-generating initiatives, as well as partner on priority programs and advocacy efforts.

The ELC structure provides volunteer leaders the opportunity to work together in implementing key initiatives and supporting staff in identifying, recruiting, and cultivating community influencers. ELC members serve as representatives of Autism Speaks at the market level and play a key role in connecting Autism Speaks to new individual and corporate relationships.

Members are influential leaders who possess diverse skill sets, experience, and perspectives, and have a strong commitment to the mission of Autism Speaks and the autism community. ELC members reflect the professional, geographic, and ethnic diversity of the market in which they serve. With this diversity as foundation, the ELC provides strategic counsel and support to ensure broad reach and success of the mission-delivery and fundraising efforts of Autism Speaks.

Current members:

  • Patty Boland, VOCAL Council, Community Engagement Officer
  • Brian Fink, McFee, Talent Acquisition Partner
  • Clayton Huff, KIOXIA, Senior Technical Sales Manager
  • Jessica L. Jacobs, Vector Advisory Services, LLC., Director, M&A Integrations/CFO Advisor
  • Dr. Matt Segall, Emory Autism Center, Assistant Professor & Program Director, Educational and Transition Services
  • Ariel Shaw, U.S. Xpress, Inc, VP of Strategy Delivery & Compliance
  • Benjamin Sheffield, RGP, Talent Acquisition Director**
  • Lauren Skelly, Inspire Brands, Sr. Director, Digital Guest Experience
  • Yanique Woodall, CVS/Aetna, Senior Director, Corporate Communications and External Affairs; Head of Brand Communications

*Council Chair

**Council Co-Chair

Interested in joining the Atlanta Executive Leadership Council?

Complete this form if you are interested in joining the Atlanta Executive Leadership Council (ELC).