Angela Timashenka Geiger to step down later this year as president and CEO of Autism Speaks

(New York, NY) March 9, 2021 – Today, Angela Timashenka Geiger and the Autism Speaks Board of Directors announced Ms. Geiger will step down as president and CEO of Autism Speaks later this year. This comes after a five-year tenure during which time Ms. Geiger introduced a new strategic vision for Autism Speaks and strengthened the financial stability of the organization.

Working with the board of directors, community leaders, volunteers, scientific advisors, advocates and other stakeholders, Ms. Geiger created the Next10 vision and implemented a long-term strategic plan aimed at maximizing the organization’s success. While significant progress had already been made in expanding autism awareness, the new mission went further towards increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism and included a deliberate strategy to acknowledge diversity across the spectrum and throughout the lifespan. These new initiatives resulted in a nearly 50 percent increase in the number of people served by Autism Speaks. Further, on the 15th anniversary of Autism Speaks, a rebranding was introduced that reflected a more inclusive look intended to mirror the depth, breadth, and infinite differences among individuals on the spectrum.

“Angela’s strong leadership and extensive non-profit experience guided Autism Speaks to greater financial stability, resulting in more research, advocacy, services and supports for people with autism and their families,” said Brian Harper, chairman of the board of directors, Autism Speaks. “We are grateful to her leadership and willingness to take on the challenge of ensuring Autism Speaks is the organization autistic people and their families can count on.”

Additionally, under Ms. Geiger’s leadership, Autism Speaks invested over $300 million in research, advocacy, programs, and services. She successfully delivered the organization’s mission-based objectives while rallying the organization to a position of financial security, resulting in a self-sustaining organization that can remain steadfast in its dedication to its mission for years to come.

“Autism Speaks plays a unique and crucial role in the autism community. I am proud of what we have accomplished over the last five years and so pleased to be part of making the next chapter evermore successful for the autism community,” said Ms. Geiger. “There is still much to accomplish and I, along with our entire organization, am committed to working with and for the autism community so everyone with autism can reach their full potential.”

Ms. Geiger will serve as a critical member of the search team responsible for identifying a new President and CEO. She will continue to actively lead Autism Speaks until a successor is named and their transition is complete. Please click here to apply or nominate someone for consideration.

About autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, refers to a broad range of conditions characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication. We know that there is not one autism but many subtypes, and each person with autism can have unique strengths and challenges. A combination of genetic and environmental factors influences the development of autism, and autism often is accompanied by medical issues such as GI disorders, seizures and sleep disturbances. Autism affects an estimated 1 in 54 children.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. We do this through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions. To find resources, join an event or make a donation, go to www.AutismSpeaks.org. Learn more by following @AutismSpeaks on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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