Keith Wargo has served as the President and CEO of Autism Speaks since October 2021. In this role, he oversees the organization’s administration and strategic vision. Wargo is committed to ensuring Autism Speaks fulfills its mission of supporting individuals with autism and their families through advocacy, research, and services.
Wargo’s leadership is backed by over 30 years of experience in the finance sector. He held key positions at major institutions like Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank, BMO Capital Markets, and Mizuho Securities. Additionally, his personal connection to autism, as a parent of an adult child on the spectrum, deepens his dedication to the mission of Autism Speaks.
Life Before Joining Autism Speaks
Before joining Autism Speaks, Wargo was involved with Monarch Cypress. This company focuses on employing individuals with autism, aligning with his advocacy for the autistic community.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Boston College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. His appointment as CEO came after a thorough search process, reflecting his commitment to enhancing the lives of those affected by autism. Wargo emphasizes the importance of social connection and meaningful work for autistic individuals.
About Autism Speaks: Empowering the Autism Community
Autism Speaks envisions a world where all people with autism can reach their full potential. The organization is dedicated to creating an inclusive world through advocacy, services, research, and innovation.
Autism Speaks’ mission includes ensuring access to reliable information and services across the lifespan. The organization supports research and innovation to improve the quality of life for individuals with autism. Through advocacy, partnerships, and collaboration, Autism Speaks aims to support and extend the work of service providers.
The organization is also committed to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Autism Speaks strives to serve everyone with autism and their families, improving representation and expanding the reach of resources.
Autism Speaks’ Next 10 Vision focuses on uniting with the community to amplify voices, accelerate solutions, and ensure quality services for all. The organization collaborates with expert partners, supports rights-based legislation, and drives inclusion through community-based and workplace initiatives.
Together, Autism Speaks and its partners are building a path forward, driving change to improve the lives of all autistic people and their families.
Wargo’s Vision: A Holistic Approach to Autism Support
Keith Wargo’s main goals for Autism Speaks are centered on enhancing the lives of individuals with autism and their families. His approach is multi-faceted, encompassing several key areas.
First, advocacy and policy change are crucial. Wargo aims to protect the rights and access to services for people with autism. Notably, he has supported legislation that ensures autism insurance benefits for 204 million individuals across all 50 states.
Second, advancing research and development is a priority. Wargo is committed to investing in scientific studies that lead to personalized treatments and address co-occurring conditions. Autism Speaks is particularly focused on conditions like gastrointestinal issues, sleep disorders, and anxiety.
Third, Wargo is passionate about improving employment outcomes for individuals with autism. Through the Workforce Inclusion Now™ (WIN) program, Autism Speaks aims to create pathways to one million job opportunities by 2025 for people with autism and developmental differences.
Additionally, community support and resources are vital under Wargo’s leadership. Autism Speaks connects individuals with local services and resources, helping over 70,000 individuals in the past year alone.
Finally, increasing public understanding and acceptance of autism remains a priority. Wargo believes in celebrating successes and raising awareness about the diverse needs of the autism community.
Through these initiatives, Wargo is making a positive impact on the autism community, helping individuals with autism lead fulfilling lives.
Integrating Business Expertise with Autism Advocacy
Keith Wargo brings his extensive business experience to Autism Speaks in several ways.
He provides strategic leadership, leveraging his background in finance and business development to set a clear vision for the organization. Wargo focuses on building effective teams and partnering with diverse stakeholders to tackle complex challenges, similar to his roles at Goldman Sachs and Deutsche Bank.
Additionally, Wargo emphasizes operational efficiency. Drawing from his finance background, he ensures resources are allocated effectively to initiatives that benefit the autism community. His experience in navigating complex regulatory environments also aids in advancing Autism Speaks’ advocacy priorities.
Wargo’s commitment to employment opportunities is reflected in programs like Workforce Inclusion Now™ (WIN). His experience with Monarch Cypress informs his approach to creating meaningful employment pathways within Autism Speaks.
Moreover, under Wargo’s leadership, Autism Speaks has expanded its outreach and support services. The organization’s response to over 70,000 individuals seeking assistance in the past year and the distribution of millions of toolkits and resources to the community are testaments to this effort.
By applying his business expertise, Wargo is driving Autism Speaks forward, enhancing its impact on the lives of individuals with autism and their families.
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