Ability Plus Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ability Plus has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, residential operations, financial oversight, and administrative management.

Committed to fostering independence for individuals with disabilities, Ability Plus delivers essential residential housing, job coaching, and community integration services to ensure every client achieves personal fulfillment.

Leadership Roles at Ability Plus

  • Chief Executive Officer - Abdul Pasha
  • Chief Executive Officer & President & Executive Director - Karockas Watkins
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Hani Taresh
  • Chief Financial Officer - Melissa Dean
  • Chief Operating Officer - Marcie Watkins
  • Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Audra Watkins
  • Abdul Pasha - Chief Executive Officer

    Abdul Pasha, the Chief Executive Officer at Ability Plus, directs the overarching strategic vision for all disability support services. Pasha architects long-term growth initiatives to expand residential housing capacity across the Southern United States. By aligning organizational goals with donor engagement, the Chief Executive Officer secures the necessary resources for 24-hour support programs. Abdul Pasha monitors the efficacy of day habilitation services to ensure high standards of care and client safety. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the Board to refine service delivery models. Through rigorous oversight of community outreach, the Chief Executive Officer drives the mission of enabling independence for every client. Pasha maintains focus on operational excellence, ensuring that all programs remain compliant with regional health regulations while fostering an inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities to thrive within the broader community.

    Karockas Watkins - Chief Executive Officer & President & Executive Director

    Karockas Watkins, the Chief Executive Officer & President & Executive Director at Ability Plus, manages the daily execution of organizational programs and community partnerships. Watkins oversees the integration of job coaching services, ensuring that clients gain meaningful employment opportunities. As the primary liaison for community stakeholders, the Chief Executive Officer & President & Executive Director cultivates relationships that bolster the nonprofit's impact. Karockas Watkins coordinates the expansion of inclusive event spaces to facilitate greater social connection for program participants. This role requires balancing complex service requirements with the need for sustainable growth. By streamlining internal processes, the Chief Executive Officer & President & Executive Director enhances the quality of life for residents. Watkins prioritizes the development of skill-building workshops, directly impacting the independence of the population served. Through dedicated leadership, the organization continues to provide vital support systems across the regional landscape.

    Hani Taresh - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Hani Taresh, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Ability Plus, establishes the core values and foundational mission of the organization. Taresh drives the strategic direction for all residential housing initiatives, ensuring that every facility provides a safe and supportive environment. As the Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Taresh champions the cause of disability advocacy, influencing regional policy to better serve the needs of the community. Hani Taresh evaluates the performance of all habilitation programs to guarantee alignment with the nonprofit's long-term objectives. This leadership position involves securing philanthropic support to sustain essential services. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer ensures that every client receives personalized care. Taresh monitors the impact of community gatherings, confirming that the organization remains a pillar of support for individuals seeking independence and personal growth throughout the operational territory.

    Melissa Dean - Chief Financial Officer

    Melissa Dean, the Chief Financial Officer at Ability Plus, directs the fiscal strategy and budgetary planning for the entire nonprofit organization. Dean manages the allocation of funds across residential housing, job coaching, and community event programs. As the Chief Financial Officer, Dean ensures the financial sustainability of the organization through rigorous oversight of donations and grant funding. Melissa Dean analyzes expenditure patterns to maximize the impact of every dollar spent on client services. This leadership role involves preparing detailed financial reports for the Board to guide strategic decision-making. By maintaining strict compliance with accounting standards, the Chief Financial Officer protects the integrity of the organization's assets. Dean coordinates with other executives to align financial resources with operational priorities. Through prudent fiscal management, the Chief Financial Officer enables the continued expansion of essential services, ensuring that the organization remains capable of supporting individuals with disabilities for years to come.

    Marcie Watkins - Chief Operating Officer

    Marcie Watkins, the Chief Operating Officer at Ability Plus, manages the internal logistics and daily service delivery for all residential and habilitation programs. Watkins optimizes the staffing models for 24-hour support facilities to ensure consistent care quality. As the Chief Operating Officer, Watkins coordinates the maintenance and safety protocols for all physical housing locations. Marcie Watkins implements efficient workflows for job coaching teams, enabling clients to transition smoothly into the workforce. This role requires constant monitoring of operational metrics to identify areas for service improvement. By overseeing the day-to-day functions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the organization meets all regulatory standards for health services. Watkins facilitates communication between departments to maintain a cohesive support network. Through meticulous management of resources, the Chief Operating Officer supports the broader mission of fostering independence and community connection for every individual served by the organization.
    Marcie Watkins

    Audra Watkins - Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

    Audra Watkins, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) at Ability Plus, oversees the human resources, compliance, and internal policy frameworks that govern the organization. Watkins manages the recruitment and training of staff dedicated to providing 24-hour residential support. As the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Watkins ensures that all administrative processes align with state and federal regulations for health services. Audra Watkins develops internal communication strategies to keep the team informed and motivated. This role involves managing the legal and administrative documentation required for nonprofit operations. By streamlining administrative workflows, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) reduces operational friction, allowing the team to focus on client care. Watkins monitors the effectiveness of internal policies to ensure a safe and inclusive workplace. Through diligent administrative oversight, the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) supports the organization's mission, ensuring that all systems function effectively to provide the best possible outcomes for the individuals served.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ability Plus Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ability Plus?
    Ability Plus is led by Abdul Pasha (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Karockas Watkins (Chief Executive Officer & President & Executive Director) and Hani Taresh (Founder & Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Ability Plus’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ability Plus includes leaders such as Abdul Pasha (Chief Executive Officer), Karockas Watkins (Chief Executive Officer & President & Executive Director), Hani Taresh (Founder & Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ability Plus have?
    Ability Plus has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ability Plus’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ability Plus includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer & President & Executive Director, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer.