The search for Ascendigo’s new president and chief executive officer concluded, as the nonprofit warmly welcomed Amy Grogan to the position on Jan. 27. Bringing a breadth of experience, strong leadership qualities and a commitment to community, Grogan’s skill set beautifully complements the demands of this critical position.
“There is so much personal and professional alignment with Ascendigo’s history, story, their mission and areas of focus,” Grogan shared with The Sopris Sun. “As I spent time with this team, I definitely knew I wanted to be a part of it. I want to honor where they’ve been and help them grow and build into a sustainable future where they continue to have this deep ripple effect for individuals in the disabilities world.”
When considering Grogan’s impressive career thus far, it is easy to see how she seamlessly fits with Ascendigo. Since the beginning of her career, she has been passionate about advocacy and inspired by collaborative efforts that bring forth change. As a young student-teacher, Grogan said that her entire career trajectory shifted when she met a student with autism. She was “enamored with the constellation of support” and immediately pivoted from educator to social worker.
“I really think the path chose me,” laughed Grogan. “I was fortunate to balance both [graduate school and working]. My very first job out of graduate school was as a case manager for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That was my entry into the long-term care system.”
For the next few years, Grogan worked in Denver as a case manager. Eventually, her work ethic and connectability piqued the interest of local nonprofit leaders, including those at Opportunities in Living (OL), a nonprofit dedicated to developing residential alternatives for adults with intellectual disabilities. Grogan’s career flourished with OL, where she learned to recognize and respond to the needs of families and individuals, develop programming and ensure effective daily operations. As its former executive director, Grogan said she was inspired by the innovation and creativity that enriched clients’ lives.
“They really knew what their niche was, what they did well, and then built out their program around that,” said Grogan. “I was really grateful to be part of that organization for the [10 years] that I was there.”
Prior to assuming her role at Ascendigo, Grogan was the vice president of case management at Developmental Pathways, a nonprofit serving over 15,000 individuals and families navigating Colorado’s intricate system of disability services. There, she learned about true collaboration, smart risk taking and how to be a pro-solution leader — like her most impactful mentor, Bob Ward, that organization’s former chief strategy officer. Inspired by his reasonable and steady demeanor and ability to provide clear and effective feedback, Grogan said she plans to replicate his ability to facilitate a positive experience for everyone in the disabilities community.
“I bring a deep bench of systemic expertise,” said Grogan. “I have been partnering and working within the disabilities world for 25 plus years. I really do hope to bring best practices for running a nonprofit, how to be a mission-driven organization and to run an efficient business every day.”
At Ascendigo’s helm, Grogan will use her dynamic career experience to help strengthen vital relationships with key stakeholders and government entities, expand the nonprofit through thoughtful analysis and planning, guide daily operations and provide development and mentorship for employees. Grogan said she is excited to work alongside a team that fosters opportunities for true community integration and inclusion.
“Creating a strong sense of ‘we,’ both for people in services and our team, is incredibly important. Inclusion is at the forefront,” said Grogan.
While Grogan and her family are settling into the Roaring Fork Valley, she said they are ready to try new cuisine, explore the Valley’s expansive outdoor recreation and, of course, connect with Carbondale’s vibrant community. Because, for Grogan, creating connection and community is her life mission.
“I have found my home in this work,” Grogan concluded. “My ‘why’ is the people and the families I have been connected to over the years, the teams and organizations I have been a part of and what we have been able to accomplish together. I really cannot imagine doing anything else.”
On Feb. 15, the community is invited to meet Amy Grogan at Ascendigo’s premier fundraising gala, Ascendigo Blue Aspen, at the Hotel Jerome from 6 to 11pm. Esteemed autism advocate Temple Grandin will be the event’s keynote speaker. Tickets are available at www.ascendigo.org/blue