Allies Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Allies has 10 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, finance, and training.

Driven by a commitment to community integration, Allies provides essential services that empower individuals with special needs, fostering independence and enhancing quality of life across New Jersey.

Leadership Roles at Allies

  • Chief Executive Officer - London Christensen
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Krystal Odell
  • Interim Chief Executive Officer - Michael Haggerty
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Garrett Deiter
  • Founder & Chief Executive Officer - Ari Tepper
  • Chief Financial Officer - Leonard Nicolosi
  • Chief Operating Officer - Wendi Ford
  • President - James Dike
  • President - Presley Gillespie
  • Training Vice President, Quality Assurance - Darren Garansi
  • London Christensen - Chief Executive Officer

    London Christensen, the Chief Executive Officer at Allies, directs the overarching strategic vision and operational framework for the nonprofit agency. This leadership role involves guiding the organization's mission to provide comprehensive support, including housing, healthcare, and employment opportunities, to individuals with special needs. Christensen ensures that all initiatives align with the agency's founding principles and commitment to community integration. The Chief Executive Officer oversees the executive team, fostering collaboration to achieve organizational goals and enhance service delivery across New Jersey. This position demands a deep understanding of nonprofit management and a dedication to serving vulnerable populations. Christensen's focus remains on expanding the agency's reach and impact, ensuring sustainable growth and continued support for those served.

    Krystal Odell - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Krystal Odell, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Allies, spearheads the strategic direction and operational execution of the nonprofit's comprehensive services. This executive leadership position involves driving the mission to deliver housing, healthcare, meaningful employment, and recreational opportunities to individuals with special needs. Odell ensures that the agency's programs effectively meet the evolving needs of the community and uphold the highest standards of care and support. The President & Chief Executive Officer collaborates closely with the board and senior leadership to foster innovation and expand the agency's impact. Odell's responsibilities include cultivating strategic partnerships and securing resources to advance the organization's goals. This role is critical in maintaining Allies' commitment to empowering individuals and promoting their independence within their chosen communities.

    Michael Haggerty - Interim Chief Executive Officer

    Michael Haggerty, the Interim Chief Executive Officer at Allies, provides critical leadership during a transitional period, ensuring continuity in the agency's mission and operations. This executive role focuses on maintaining the high standards of service delivery for housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational programs for individuals with special needs. Haggerty oversees the executive team, guiding strategic initiatives and operational efficiency to support the agency's commitment to community integration. The Interim Chief Executive Officer works to stabilize and advance the organization's objectives, ensuring that the needs of the individuals served remain paramount. Haggerty's leadership ensures that Allies continues to be a vital resource, fostering independence and enhancing the quality of life for all clients. This position requires adept management of complex nonprofit operations.

    Garrett Deiter - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Garrett Deiter, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Allies, established and continues to guide the organization's foundational mission. This executive leadership position is responsible for setting the strategic vision and ensuring the effective delivery of housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational services for individuals with special needs. Deiter's role involves championing the agency's commitment to community integration and empowering clients to live independently. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer oversees all aspects of the nonprofit's operations, fostering a culture of compassion and dedication among staff. Garrett Deiter's enduring leadership ensures that Allies remains a cornerstone of support, continuously adapting to meet the evolving needs of the individuals and communities served throughout New Jersey.

    Ari Tepper - Founder & Chief Executive Officer

    Ari Tepper, the Founder & Chief Executive Officer at Allies, drives the strategic direction and operational integrity of the nonprofit agency. This executive role is central to fulfilling the mission of providing essential services, including housing, healthcare, meaningful employment, and recreational opportunities, to individuals with special needs. Tepper ensures that the agency's programs foster independence and community integration, aligning with the core values established at its inception. The Founder & Chief Executive Officer oversees the executive team, cultivating an environment of excellence and dedication. Ari Tepper's leadership is instrumental in expanding the agency's capacity and impact, guaranteeing sustained support for clients and their families across New Jersey.

    Leonard Nicolosi - Chief Financial Officer

    Leonard Nicolosi, the Chief Financial Officer at Allies, manages the organization's financial health and strategic fiscal planning. This executive role is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance and fiscal responsibility. Nicolosi safeguards the agency's assets and directs financial strategies to support the sustained delivery of housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational services for individuals with special needs. The Chief Financial Officer collaborates with the executive team to secure funding and optimize financial resources, enabling the expansion of programs and services. Leonard Nicolosi's expertise is vital in maintaining the financial stability required for Allies to effectively serve its community and advance its mission.

    Wendi Ford - Chief Operating Officer

    Wendi Ford, the Chief Operating Officer at Allies, directs the day-to-day operational functions and ensures the efficient delivery of all client services. This executive role is critical in managing the implementation of housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational programs, guaranteeing they meet the highest standards of quality and accessibility. Ford oversees departmental operations, optimizing resource allocation and streamlining processes to support the agency's mission of empowering individuals with special needs. The Chief Operating Officer collaborates with other senior leaders to enhance service effectiveness and expand the agency's reach within the communities it serves. Wendi Ford's focus is on operational excellence, ensuring that Allies consistently provides impactful support and fosters independence for all clients.
    Wendi Ford

    James Dike - President

    James Dike, the President at Allies, provides high-level leadership and strategic oversight for the organization's comprehensive service delivery. This executive position focuses on guiding the agency's mission to offer housing, healthcare, meaningful employment, and recreational opportunities to individuals with special needs. Dike ensures that the strategic objectives align with the core values of community integration and client empowerment. The President works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and other senior leaders to drive organizational growth and enhance program effectiveness. James Dike's leadership is crucial in fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and advancing the agency's commitment to improving the quality of life for all individuals served.

    Presley Gillespie - President

    Presley Gillespie, the President at Allies, directs strategic initiatives and operational oversight to advance the agency's mission. This executive leadership role is dedicated to ensuring the provision of essential services, including housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational support, for individuals with special needs. Gillespie focuses on fostering community integration and empowering clients to achieve independence. The President collaborates with the executive team to enhance program efficacy and expand the agency's positive impact. Presley Gillespie's leadership is key to maintaining Allies' commitment to compassionate care and driving forward its objectives within the communities it serves, ensuring sustained support for all individuals.

    Darren Garansi - Training Vice President, Quality Assurance

    Darren Garansi, the Training Vice President, Quality Assurance at Allies, leads initiatives focused on enhancing staff development and ensuring the highest standards of service delivery. This executive role is responsible for designing and implementing comprehensive training programs that equip employees to effectively support individuals with special needs in housing, healthcare, employment, and recreational settings. Garansi oversees the quality assurance framework, meticulously evaluating program outcomes and operational processes to guarantee client satisfaction and adherence to best practices. The Training Vice President, Quality Assurance collaborates with departmental leaders to identify training needs and implement continuous improvement strategies. Darren Garansi's dedication to professional development and quality control is fundamental to Allies' commitment to excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Allies Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Allies?
    Allies is led by London Christensen (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Krystal Odell (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Michael Haggerty (Interim Chief Executive Officer).
    Who is part of Allies’s executive team?
    The executive team of Allies includes leaders such as London Christensen (Chief Executive Officer), Krystal Odell (President & Chief Executive Officer), Michael Haggerty (Interim Chief Executive Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Allies have?
    Allies has 10 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Allies’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Allies includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Interim Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Founder & Chief Executive Officer.