Ascendigo Autism Services names new chief executive officer

Courtesy photo
A new president and chief executive officer has been named for a Roaring Fork Valley organization that provides support for individuals with autism, the nonprofit announced Monday.
Amy Grogan, a longtime official of multiple Front Range disability services, is set to replace six-year Ascendigo Autism Services CEO Dan Richardson on Jan. 27. Richardson, whose tenure ended at the end of 2024, stepped down to operate his new company specializing in providing property management services for people with disabilities.
“I am deeply honored to be joining Ascendigo, there is such a strong alignment between my personal commitments and professional experiences with the heart of Ascendigo’s mission and vision,” Grogan said in a news release. “I am looking forward to leading the team as we embark on all that lies ahead, ensuring we fully embrace inclusion, collaboration, sustainability, and innovation with the shared goal of having a lasting impact on the community.”
Grogan is an executive who brings over 20 years of experience in human services and nonprofit leadership coupled with a commitment to fostering inclusive communities and a passion for advocating for individuals with developmental disabilities, making her an ideal leader for the organization.
She was most recently vice president of Case Management at Developmental Pathways, based in Aurora, leading care coordination efforts for individuals and families across Douglas, Arapahoe and Elbert counties. She was also executive director for 10 years at Opportunity in Living which provides residential, housing and vocational services for those with intellectual disabilities in the greater Denver metro area.
Grogan holds a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh.
Ascendigo Founder and Board Chair Sallie Bernard expressed her enthusiasm over Grogan’s appointment.
“Amy is poised to lead Ascendigo into a new era of impact,” she said in the release. “We are confident she is the right person to advance our mission, enhance program quality and improve access to services for everyone in our community.”
Ascendigo’s upcoming signature gala, Ascendigo Blue Aspen, is on Feb. 15, 2025 at the Hotel Jerome in downtown Aspen, where attendees will have the opportunity to meet Grogan and learn more about her vision for the organization.
Two Aspen High Skiers defy the odds to sign and play college football
Football recruits on the Western Slope don’t always receive a lot of attention from big college programs.
Colorado U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert leads effort to remove federal protections from gray wolves
Gray wolves could be removed from the federal Endangered Species Act under a bill reintroduced by Republican U.S. Reps. Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Tom Tiffany of Wisconsin on Friday.