Heartland 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 are integral 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.

Purpose

The Executive Leadership Council's purpose is to advance Autism Speaks' mission and income goals 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 and partner on priority programs and advocacy efforts.

The ELC structure allows volunteer leaders to collaborate on key initiatives and support 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 are strongly committed 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 a foundation, the ELC provides strategic counsel and support to ensure the broad reach and success of the mission-delivery and fundraising efforts of Autism Speaks.

Current Members

  • Lonnie Berg, Senior Vice President at ADB
  • Austin Birner, Chief Executive Officer, Renewal by Andersen of St. Louis
  • Christina Coleman, News Anchor at Fox News
  • Pete Fogle, Regional Sales Director at OneAmerica
  • Jason Hudnall, Area Vice President, Perficient
  • Jim Lammers, COO at Pharmacy Partners, LLC / Altus Biologics
  • Anitra Lee-Cole, Senior Director of Human Resources at St. Patrick Center
  • Eric Messersmith, Sports Reporter for FOX News Radio (FNR)
  • Matt Modica, Vice President & Chief Information & Security Officer, BJC Healthcare
  • Brett Perry, Chief Information & Security Officer, DOT Foods
  • Aaron Plaza, Area Vice President of Specialty Solutions, World Wide Technology
  • Sidney Plaza, Enterprise Account Manager, AWS
  • Anthony Traxler, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works, City of Maplewood
  • Sara Wylie, Associate Director, Account-Based Marketing at KPMG
  • Greg Yawitz, Owner, Keat Properties, LLC

Click here if you are interested in joining the Heartland Executive Leadership Council.