Abilities First Executive and Leadership Team

Tom Wheeler, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, directs the overarching strategic vision for disability support services. Wheeler architects long-term growth initiatives that expand educational access for children and adults across the New York region. By aligning organizational resources with the core mission of independence, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every program promotes self-determination. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine advocacy efforts and community outreach strategies. Tom Wheeler maintains a focus on operational excellence, ensuring that service delivery models remain responsive to the evolving needs of families. Through rigorous oversight of internal policies, the President & Chief Executive Officer secures the financial health required to sustain high-impact community programs. Ultimately, Wheeler drives the organization toward a future defined by total community acceptance and the successful integration of all individuals into mainstream life.

Margarett Rollwagen, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, manages the expansion of specialized integration services for adults. Rollwagen focuses on developing partnerships that enhance vocational training and community participation opportunities. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Rollwagen evaluates the efficacy of current support frameworks to ensure alignment with the goal of fostering independence. This role requires frequent engagement with external stakeholders to advocate for policy changes that benefit the disability community. Margarett Rollwagen oversees the implementation of new service delivery protocols, ensuring that every initiative reflects the organization's commitment to valuing diverse abilities. By streamlining internal processes, the President & Chief Executive Officer improves the quality of care provided to families. Through strategic planning and resource allocation, Rollwagen strengthens the organization's market position, ensuring that the mission of Abilities First remains central to all regional operations and community-based activities.

Jeffery Fox, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Abilities First, leads the development of innovative educational programs designed to support children with disabilities. Fox architects curriculum frameworks that prioritize experiential learning and personal growth. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Fox coordinates with clinical teams to ensure that therapeutic services integrate seamlessly with educational goals. This leadership position involves managing complex regulatory requirements while maintaining a high standard of care across all facilities. Jeffery Fox drives the adoption of new technologies that facilitate better communication and learning outcomes for participants. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the organization remains at the forefront of disability advocacy. Through careful management of regional resources, Fox supports the expansion of services, ultimately ensuring that Abilities First provides the necessary tools for every individual to achieve independence and meaningful community participation.

Kelly Martinez, the Chief Administrative Officer at Abilities First, oversees the internal infrastructure and operational efficiency of the organization. Martinez directs the human resources, facilities management, and administrative support teams to ensure that all programs function without disruption. As the Chief Administrative Officer, Martinez implements robust systems for data management and compliance, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of disability support services. This role involves close coordination with the executive team to align administrative workflows with the broader mission of community integration. Kelly Martinez manages the allocation of operational budgets, ensuring that funds support the most critical needs of families and individuals. By optimizing internal processes, the Chief Administrative Officer creates a stable environment where staff can focus on delivering high-quality care. Through strategic oversight of administrative functions, Martinez supports the long-term sustainability of Abilities First, ensuring that the organization remains a reliable pillar of support within the community.