Leadership and Governance

Leadership built aroundpurpose and accountability.

Meet the leadership helping guide Autism Foundation of America as it works to expand access to diagnosis, therapy, caregiver support, and life changing services for children and families affected by autism.

Meet Our Leadership Learn About AFA

Board of

DirectorsGuiding the mission

Leadership

Accountability

Impact

Our Leadership

Building a foundation worthy of the families it serves.

Strong nonprofit leadership requires clear purpose, accountability, thoughtful decision making, and a commitment to serving the public interest.

Autism Foundation of America is establishing leadership focused on responsible growth, measurable impact, and meaningful support for children and families across the country.

Current Board Leadership

Meet the people guiding AFA

Michael CiarloneFounder & Board Chair

Founder & Board Chair

Michael Ciarlone

Michael Ciarlone founded the Autism Foundation of America with a vision of creating greater opportunities, resources, advocacy, and hope for families affected by autism. Drawing on decades of executive sales and business leadership, he is committed to building a transparent, nationally respected nonprofit focused on measurable impact.

Helping build a transparent, nationally respected foundation focused on measurable impact.

Board Development

Additional leadership information will be added as it is finalized.

Autism Foundation of America is continuing to establish the leadership and governance structure needed to support responsible national growth.

Leadership & Executive Team

Turning the foundation’s mission into organized, responsible action

AFA’s leadership team supports the daily administration, communication, coordination, and organizational development needed to build a reliable national foundation.

Administrative DirectorChase Lyons

Administrative Director

Chase Lyons

Chase serves as Administrative Director, supporting AFA’s day-to-day administration, digital operations, communications, and organizational systems. Drawing on experience in sales management, process improvement, logistics, and technology, he helps turn the foundation’s mission into organized, practical action while supporting responsible national growth.

Supporting responsible growth, clear communication, and accountable service.

SecretaryMackenzie McDowell

Secretary

Mackenzie McDowell

Mackenzie serves as Secretary, maintaining organizational records, supporting internal coordination, and helping leadership communications remain clear and consistent. Her attention to detail supports AFA’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and dependable service for children and families affected by autism.

Supporting responsible growth, clear communication, and accountable service.

Our Mission

To expand access to diagnosis, therapy, caregiver support, and life changing services for children and families affected by autism.

Support the Mission

Help AFA build meaningful support across America.

Make a donation, become a community partner, or contact the foundation to learn more about its work.

Make a Donation Contact AFA

Autism Foundation of America

Leadership and Governance

Leadership built aroundpurpose and accountability.

Meet Our Leadership Learn About AFA

Board of

DirectorsGuiding the mission

Leadership

Accountability

Impact

Our Leadership

Building a foundation worthy of the families it serves.

Strong nonprofit leadership requires clear purpose, accountability, thoughtful decision making, and a commitment to serving the public interest.

Autism Foundation of America is establishing leadership focused on responsible growth, measurable impact, and meaningful support for children and families across the country.

Current Board Leadership

Meet the people guiding AFA

Michael CiarloneFounder & Board Chair

Founder & Board Chair

Michael Ciarlone

Helping build a transparent, nationally respected foundation focused on measurable impact.

Board Development

Additional leadership information will be added as it is finalized.

Autism Foundation of America is continuing to establish the leadership and governance structure needed to support responsible national growth.

Leadership & Executive Team

Turning the foundation’s mission into organized, responsible action

AFA’s leadership team supports the daily administration, communication, coordination, and organizational development needed to build a reliable national foundation.

Administrative DirectorChase Lyons

Administrative Director

Chase Lyons

Supporting responsible growth, clear communication, and accountable service.

SecretaryMackenzie McDowell

Secretary

Mackenzie McDowell

Supporting responsible growth, clear communication, and accountable service.

Our Mission

To expand access to diagnosis, therapy, caregiver support, and life changing services for children and families affected by autism.

Support the Mission

Help AFA build meaningful support across America.

Make a donation, become a community partner, or contact the foundation to learn more about its work.

Make a Donation Contact AFA