The Moran Company Recruits CEO for Ascendigo Autism Services

January 13, 2025 – The Moran Company, an executive recruitment firm that specializes in the non-profit sector, has assisted in the recruitment of Amy Grogan as the new president and CEO of Ascendigo Autism Services, Inc. in Carbondale, CO. Past CEO Dan Richardson left the company at the end of 2024. Senior search consultant Bruce Scott led the assignment. “Amy is poised to lead Ascendigo into a new era of impact,” said Sallie Bernard, founder and board chair. “We are confident she is the right person to advance our mission, enhance program quality and improve access to services for everyone in our community.”
“Amy has a strong alignment with our vision of creating a community where individuals with autism can thrive and the knowledge and experience to realize its success,” said Linda Waissar, board vice president and chair of Ascendigo’s CEO search committee. “Please join us in welcoming Amy Grogan to the Ascendigo family. We look forward to the deep knowledge and energy she will bring to our existing strong and innovative leadership team and staff and the positive changes ahead.”
Ms. Grogan is an executive who brings over 20 years of experience in human services and non-profit leadership coupled with a commitment to fostering inclusive communities and a passion for advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities. She was most recently vice president of case management at Developmental Pathways, leading care coordination efforts for individuals and families across Douglas, Arapahoe and Elbert counties. Ms. Grogan was also executive director for 10 years at Opportunity in Living which provides residential, housing and vocational services for those with intellectual disabilities in the greater Denver metro area.
In her new roles with Ascendigo Autism Services, Ms. Grogan will focus on strengthening partnerships with key stakeholders and government entities to provide comprehensive support for individuals with autism and related disabilities; implementing systems to monitor program effectiveness for participants, families and funders; and ensuring that infrastructure and operations support continued growth in ways that are both impactful and scalable. She is passionate about creating an environment where every individual can thrive.
“I am deeply honored to be joining Ascendigo, there is such a strong alignment between my personal commitments and professional experiences with the heart of Ascendigo’s mission and vision,” said Ms. Grogan. “I am looking forward to leading the team as we embark on all that lies ahead, ensuring we fully embrace inclusion, collaboration, sustainability, and innovation with the shared goal of having a lasting impact on the community.”
Related: The Moran Company Places CEO for Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement
Ascendigo Autism Services. is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that enhances the lives of children and adults living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ascendigo achieves this through a variety of programs – outdoor/sports education, employment supports, life skills instruction, community integration, behavioral therapy in schools, homes, the Ascendigo center, and community and professional trainings.
Serving Non-Profits
The Moran Company, based in Leawood, KS, specializes in searches for non-profit leadership, including executive directors, fundraising/development directors, hospital foundation directors, and other senior executives. Bill Moran founded the search firm in 1996. He has worked on more than 70 non-profit searches. He brings a rare combination to the search sector having spent 10 years as senior fundraising staff and 12 years as a successful fundraising consultant serving more than 100 clients.
Mr. Scott has 34 years of total executive experience serving people with developmental disabilities. He was founder of a local trade association, served as board member and president of the state rehabilitation association, and is connected nationally through United Cerebral Palsy. He led a United Cerebral Palsy affiliate for 16 years.
YMCA Search
The Moran Company recently helped to recruit Cheri Faunce as the new CEO of YWCA Northeast Kansas. Senior search consultant Brandi Fisher led the assignment. Last year, YWCA Northeast Kansas announced that its current CEO, Kathleen Marker, would retire in the spring of 2024 after serving in the role for eight years. Since that announcement, the board of directors undertook an extensive recruitment process for her replacement led by the Moran Company.
“Cheri’s demonstrated commitment to the work of equity and community building makes her the ideal person to step up to the position at this time,” said Gina Millsap, president of the YWCA Northeast Kansas board of directors. “We are excited about her vision and confident in her ability to lead the YWCA movement forward.”
Related: The Moran Company Recruits New Leader for Ronald McDonald House Charities
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media