On July 25, Ascendigo Autism Services announced that Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dan Richardson, who has been with the organization for more than six years, will be stepping away to pursue a new business venture. This latest venture, called BOLD: Empowering People and Property, will specialize in property management services for adults with disabilities.
Ascendigo announced that it’s looking to fill the position. Richardson is proud to be leaving such a solid team that continues to evolve to meet the needs of its clients.
“One of my greatest accomplishments, I’d say, was helping to grow and be part of a pretty amazing team that’s evolved over several years,” Richardson told The Sopris Sun.
Asked if he has any sage wisdom for Ascendigo’s next CEO, he encouraged that they always put people first and maintain flexibility. Looking back, Richardson recounted when he first joined the nonprofit.
“It really piqued my interest. The organization was innovative and dynamic enough where I thought, ‘I want to be part of that,’” he recalled. “I completely shifted careers from an engineering firm to autism. It was that dedication to people and dedication to innovation in the field of autism that kept me there for so long.”
He added, “What I see in autism is that it illuminates some of the challenges that all people have with communication and social interaction. In my opinion, it helps us inherently understand ourselves better when we understand someone with autism better.”
In his time with Ascendigo, Richardson accomplished a lot, including the purchase and renovation of the building that will eventually be the organization’s home base, establishing an affordable housing program that meets the needs of 45% of its staff and the completion of Ascendigo’s strategic plan, among other successes.
“I would be remiss if I didn’t share my gratitude for the community — the Carbondale community and beyond — for fundraising and support of Ascendigo,” Richardson added. “That has been critical and humbling.”
Through BOLD, he hopes to marry his love of buildings with the empowering work he has been doing with Ascendigo. With a background in architecture, he said that this step is the perfect evolution of his path.
“I went to school to be an architect. I love taking care of buildings,” he explained. “Through Ascendigo, I realized that that is yet another unmet need for people with disabilities, people aging in place or anybody who needs additional support [in] their homes.”
Richardson hopes to bridge this business with Ascendigo to keep facilitating growth opportunities and meeting the needs of people living with disabilities.
“I want to stay involved with Ascendigo and practice what I preach now, about businesses employing people with disabilities,” Richardson stated. “Part of the longer term vision is to build [such] a workforce for BOLD … and to increase housing opportunities for people with disabilities.”
Richardson will carry out his current role as CEO until the end of the year, according to a press release, and will assist in the onboarding and orientation of the new CEO.
“Dan brought compassion, thoughtfulness, wisdom and a tireless work ethic to his time at Ascendigo,” stated Ascendigo founder Sallie Bernard. “He will be greatly missed. His successor will have big shoes to fill, but we are excited and confident in finding our next outstanding leader and the next chapter in serving our community.”
For additional information, visit www.ascendigo.org or call 970-927-3143