Abilities First Executive and Leadership Team

June, 2026

Leadership Overview

Abilities First has 7 executives leading key functions including strategy, finance, and administration.

Driven by a commitment to empowerment, Abilities First champions independence for individuals with disabilities and their families, fostering community integration and advocating for the recognition of diverse abilities.

Leadership Roles at Abilities First

  • Chief Executive Officer - Elizabeth Faison
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tom Wheeler
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Maggie Rollwagen
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jeffery Fox
  • Chief Financial Officer - Kim Ryder
  • Chief Administrative Officer - Kelly Martinez
  • Chief Financial & Administrative Officer - Ellen Griffin
  • Elizabeth Faison - Chief Executive Officer

    Elizabeth Faison, the Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, directs the organization's overarching strategy and vision. Faison guides the executive team in executing programs that support individuals with disabilities and their families, ensuring alignment with the core mission of fostering independence and community integration. This leadership role involves setting strategic priorities, overseeing operational effectiveness, and championing the organization's advocacy efforts. Faison's focus remains on enhancing the recognition and value of diverse abilities within society. By driving strategic initiatives, Elizabeth Faison ensures Abilities First effectively serves its community and advances its goals of self-determination and acceptance. The Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include cultivating key partnerships and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the organization's impactful services.

    Tom Wheeler - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tom Wheeler, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, spearheads the organization's strategic direction and operational execution. Wheeler oversees the implementation of programs designed to empower individuals with disabilities and their families, driving initiatives that promote independence and community inclusion. This executive position involves fostering a culture of advocacy and ensuring the organization's services meet evolving needs. Wheeler's leadership focuses on expanding the reach and impact of Abilities First's mission, emphasizing the importance of diverse abilities and self-determination. Through strategic oversight, Tom Wheeler ensures robust program delivery and strengthens the organization's commitment to community acceptance. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role encompasses guiding departmental efforts and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships.

    Maggie Rollwagen - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Maggie Rollwagen, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, leads the organization's strategic planning and operational management. Rollwagen directs efforts to enhance the independence and integration of individuals with disabilities and their families, ensuring programs align with the mission of promoting diverse abilities and community acceptance. This critical role involves overseeing all facets of organizational development and service delivery. Rollwagen's leadership emphasizes advocacy and the cultivation of self-determination among those served. By driving strategic objectives, Maggie Rollwagen ensures Abilities First remains at the forefront of support services. The President & Chief Executive Officer's responsibilities include fostering innovation in program design and maintaining high standards of care and community engagement.

    Jeffery Fox - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jeffery Fox, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, guides the organization's strategic vision and operational framework. Fox directs the execution of programs focused on empowering individuals with disabilities and their families, fostering independence and community integration. This leadership position ensures that the organization's mission of recognizing diverse abilities and promoting self-determination is consistently advanced. Fox's oversight extends to advocacy efforts and the cultivation of community acceptance. Through strategic leadership, Jeffery Fox ensures Abilities First delivers comprehensive support and expands its positive impact. The President & Chief Executive Officer's duties include fostering collaborative relationships and driving organizational growth.
    Jeffery Fox

    Kim Ryder - Chief Financial Officer

    Kim Ryder, the Chief Financial Officer at Abilities First, directs the organization's financial strategy and fiscal management. Ryder oversees budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring the sustainable allocation of resources to support programs for individuals with disabilities and their families. This role is critical in maintaining the financial health and operational integrity of the organization. Ryder's responsibilities include managing investments, optimizing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with all financial regulations. By providing sound financial guidance, Kim Ryder supports the strategic objectives of Abilities First, enabling the continued delivery of essential services that promote independence and community integration. The Chief Financial Officer's expertise is vital for long-term organizational stability and growth.
    Kim Ryder

    Kelly Martinez - Chief Administrative Officer

    Kelly Martinez, the Chief Administrative Officer at Abilities First, oversees the organization's operational infrastructure and administrative functions. Martinez ensures the efficient management of human resources, facilities, and internal processes, supporting the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities and their families. This role is pivotal in maintaining a productive and supportive work environment, enabling the executive team to focus on strategic initiatives. Martinez's responsibilities include developing and implementing administrative policies, managing vendor relationships, and optimizing operational workflows. By streamlining administrative operations, Kelly Martinez enhances the overall effectiveness of Abilities First, contributing to the organization's mission of fostering independence and community acceptance. The Chief Administrative Officer's focus is on operational excellence and resource optimization.

    Ellen Griffin - Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

    Ellen Griffin, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at Abilities First, directs both the financial operations and administrative functions of the organization. Griffin manages fiscal planning, budgeting, and financial reporting, while simultaneously overseeing human resources, facilities management, and operational efficiency. This dual role ensures robust financial oversight and streamlined administrative processes, directly supporting the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities and their families. Griffin's leadership focuses on optimizing resource allocation and enhancing operational effectiveness to advance the organization's mission of independence and community integration. By integrating financial and administrative strategies, Ellen Griffin strengthens the foundation of Abilities First, promoting sustainable growth and ensuring compliance. The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer's comprehensive oversight is crucial for organizational stability and mission fulfillment.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Abilities First Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Abilities First?
    Abilities First is led by Elizabeth Faison (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Tom Wheeler (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Maggie Rollwagen (President & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Abilities First’s executive team?
    The executive team of Abilities First includes leaders such as Elizabeth Faison (Chief Executive Officer), Tom Wheeler (President & Chief Executive Officer), Maggie Rollwagen (President & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Abilities First have?
    Abilities First has 7 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Abilities First’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Abilities First includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer.