New Jersey & Eastern PA Executive Leadership Council

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 provides volunteer leaders with the opportunity to work together to implement 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

Seth Finklestein | Chairman

Maria McGinley, McGinley Law Group | Secretary

Lisa Leszcynski, LCR Design & Decor | Corporate Development & Engagement Chair

Frank Castucci, Samsung Electronics America | Corporate Development & Engagement

Cassandra Generelli, Believe in Me Developmental Therapy Center | Service Provider Community Liaison

If you're interested in joining the New Jersey & Eastern PA Executive Leadership Council, please contact Kristen Apen at newjersey@autismspeaks.org or 609-955-2076.