Abilities First Executive and Leadership Team

May, 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 a world of acceptance and integration through dedicated services and advocacy.

Leadership Roles at Abilities First

  • Chief Executive Officer - Elizabeth Faison
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Jeffery Fox
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Maggie Rollwagen
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Tom Wheeler
  • 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 operational execution. Faison guides the company's mission to support individuals with disabilities and their families, ensuring services foster independence through exploration and experience. This leadership role involves setting the strategic direction for educational programs, integration initiatives, and advocacy efforts. Faison works to embed the principle of recognition and value for diverse abilities across all organizational functions. Overseeing the development and implementation of key programs, Elizabeth Faison ensures alignment with the goal of promoting self-determination and community acceptance. The Chief Executive Officer's focus remains on creating a world where people with disabilities are fully integrated into community life, driving forward the organization's impact and reach.

    Jeffery Fox - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Jeffery Fox, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, spearheads the organization's strategic vision and operational leadership. Fox drives the core mission of empowering individuals with disabilities and their families toward greater independence. This executive role encompasses guiding the expansion of services for both children and adults, with a strong emphasis on education, integration, and advocacy. Jeffery Fox ensures that the organization's activities consistently reflect the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse abilities. By championing self-determination and community acceptance, Fox cultivates an environment where individuals with disabilities are integrated into all facets of community life. The President & Chief Executive Officer's leadership is critical in advancing Abilities First's commitment to creating a more inclusive society.
    Jeffery Fox

    Maggie Rollwagen - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Maggie Rollwagen, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, executes the strategic direction and operational management of the organization. Rollwagen leads initiatives focused on supporting individuals with disabilities and their families, fostering independence through comprehensive services. This position involves overseeing the delivery of programs designed for education, integration, and advocacy for both children and adults. Maggie Rollwagen champions the organization's commitment to recognizing and valuing diverse abilities, promoting self-determination and broad community acceptance. The President & Chief Executive Officer's oversight ensures that Abilities First actively works towards integrating people with disabilities into all aspects of community life. Rollwagen's leadership is central to advancing the organization's mission and impact.

    Tom Wheeler - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Tom Wheeler, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, directs the strategic and operational framework of the organization. Wheeler guides the company's efforts to support individuals with disabilities and their families, facilitating independence through exploration and experience. This executive function involves overseeing the provision of diverse services for children and adults, with a focus on education, integration, and advocacy. Tom Wheeler reinforces the organization's dedication to the recognition and value of diverse abilities, driving initiatives that promote self-determination and community acceptance. The President & Chief Executive Officer's role is pivotal in advancing Abilities First's objective of creating a society where people with disabilities are fully integrated into community life. Wheeler's leadership ensures the continued advancement of the organization's core mission.

    Kim Ryder - Chief Financial Officer

    Kim Ryder, the Chief Financial Officer at Abilities First, manages the organization's financial health and strategic resource allocation. Ryder oversees all fiscal operations, including budgeting, financial planning, and reporting, ensuring robust financial stewardship. This role is critical in supporting the delivery of services aimed at fostering independence for individuals with disabilities and their families. Kim Ryder works closely with other executive leaders to align financial strategies with the organization's mission of education, integration, and advocacy. The Chief Financial Officer ensures that financial resources are effectively deployed to maximize the impact of programs for children and adults. Ryder's expertise is vital in maintaining the sustainability and growth of Abilities First, supporting its commitment to community acceptance and the integration of diverse abilities.
    Kim Ryder

    Kelly Martinez - Chief Administrative Officer

    Kelly Martinez, the Chief Administrative Officer at Abilities First, oversees the operational infrastructure and administrative functions that support the organization's mission. Martinez directs human resources, IT, and general operations, ensuring efficient and effective service delivery. This role is integral to facilitating the independence of individuals with disabilities and their families through well-managed programs. Kelly Martinez collaborates with executive leadership to implement policies and procedures that enhance the organization's capacity for education, integration, and advocacy. The Chief Administrative Officer ensures that administrative processes align with the goal of recognizing and valuing diverse abilities. Martinez's oversight contributes significantly to promoting self-determination and community acceptance, supporting the integration of people with disabilities into community life.

    Ellen Griffin - Chief Financial & Administrative Officer

    Ellen Griffin, the Chief Financial & Administrative Officer at Abilities First, directs both the financial strategy and administrative operations of the organization. Griffin manages fiscal planning, budgeting, and resource allocation, alongside overseeing human resources, IT, and general operational efficiency. This dual role is essential for supporting the organization's mission to foster independence for individuals with disabilities and their families. Ellen Griffin ensures that financial stability and administrative effectiveness work in concert to advance programs focused on education, integration, and advocacy. The Chief Financial & Administrative Officer champions the recognition and value of diverse abilities, promoting self-determination and community acceptance. Griffin's comprehensive oversight is critical for the sustained growth and impact of Abilities First in creating an inclusive society.

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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 Jeffery Fox (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), Jeffery Fox (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.