One of the most influential autism therapy providers in the country is undergoing a significant leadership transformation. The Center for Autism and Related Disorders (CARD), known for its expansive network of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy centers, has announced a new chapter in its executive structure. The announcement marks a key milestone in a series of autism therapy leadership changes affecting the broader behavioral health space.
Jennifer Webster has officially been appointed CEO of CARD, succeeding Tony Kilgore, who had served in the position since 2019. While Kilgore’s departure was not accompanied by public comment, the leadership pivot indicates a broader organizational strategy focused on growth, operational excellence, and future readiness.
Jennifer Webster Brings Financial Depth to the CEO Role
Webster is no stranger to CARD. Since joining in 2018 as Chief Financial Officer, she has helped guide the organization through turbulent financial times and evolving healthcare policy changes. Her promotion reflects both her expertise and her alignment with CARD’s long-term vision. With a background that includes senior leadership at McKesson Corporation and a finance role with General Electric, Webster offers a robust skill set uniquely suited for navigating complex provider environments.
Her appointment is one of the most high-profile autism therapy leadership changes in recent memory and signals CARD’s desire to blend financial discipline with clinical impact.
As CEO, Webster is now charged with overseeing a provider network that includes 221 locations across 24 states—one of the most expansive in the country. With ABA therapy services in high demand, her leadership will play a critical role in ensuring sustainability, accessibility, and quality across CARD’s portfolio.
Alisa Ulrey Steps in as CARD’s President
Accompanying Webster’s appointment is another notable shift: Alisa Ulrey has been named President of CARD. Ulrey, who joined the organization as Chief Operating Officer in late 2023, brings a wealth of healthcare management experience, most notably from her tenure at CVS Health. There, she served as a Regional Vice President overseeing teams and operations across the Northeast United States.
In her new role, Ulrey will be responsible for CARD’s daily administrative and operational functions. Her operational background strengthens the executive team’s ability to execute on CARD’s mission at scale.
Together, Webster and Ulrey represent a powerful pairing in the landscape of autism therapy leadership changes, combining strategic, financial, and operational acumen in service of a vulnerable and growing population.
CARD’s Board Expresses Confidence in New Executive Team
CARD’s Board Chair David D’Alessandro praised the new appointments in a press release:
“Jennifer and Alisa are accomplished and well-respected industry leaders. Serving in these new roles will further strengthen our commitment to excellence in the autism industry while building opportunities for growth and enhanced patient care.”
The endorsement adds weight to the recent autism therapy leadership changes, indicating strong institutional support for the strategic shift.
CARD’s Evolution: From Clinical Roots to National Scale
Founded in 1990 by autism researcher Dr. Doreen Granpeesheh, CARD has grown into one of the largest ABA therapy providers in the country. Its focus on data-driven, individualized treatment helped establish it as a trusted name in autism services.
In 2018, Granpeesheh sold a majority stake in CARD to private equity firm Blackstone Inc. The move allowed the organization to scale more rapidly while maintaining a focus on clinical outcomes. Granpeesheh retained a minority stake and shared equity with founding employees, preserving the company’s mission-driven culture.
The current autism therapy leadership changes represent the next phase of CARD’s evolution. While Granpeesheh remains actively involved as Executive Director, the organization is clearly preparing for its future with a renewed emphasis on leadership alignment and strategic execution.
Industry Context: A Changing Landscape for Autism Care
The autism care sector has seen a wave of consolidation, regulatory changes, and investor interest over the past five years. Providers like CARD face growing pressures to expand access, reduce costs, and demonstrate measurable outcomes.
In this context, the recent autism therapy leadership changes at CARD are more than just internal adjustments—they are responses to shifting external forces. Rising diagnostic rates, payer scrutiny, and staffing shortages are all part of the landscape that Webster and Ulrey must now navigate.
These dynamics also make CARD’s ability to lead at scale more important than ever. With hundreds of clinics under its umbrella, the organization plays a pivotal role in shaping national standards for autism therapy.
Granpeesheh Reflects on the Blackstone Partnership
Dr. Granpeesheh, who still plays an active role in shaping CARD’s clinical direction, reflected on the decision to partner with Blackstone in a 2023 interview with Behavioral Health Business.
“I chose Blackstone as the partner that I wanted to go with because everything about Blackstone reminded me of CARD,” she said. “They were the largest and strongest in their field, and I felt like it really went parallel with us.”
This sentiment reinforces the idea that CARD’s leadership evolution, including the current autism therapy leadership changes, aligns with a broader strategy to remain dominant in a highly competitive industry.
What Comes Next for CARD?
With Webster and Ulrey at the helm, CARD is well-positioned to enter its next growth phase. The leadership team is expected to focus on clinical quality, workforce development, payer partnerships, and new market expansion. There is also likely to be an emphasis on technological integration and data analytics to support clinical decisions and operational efficiency.
As one of the most closely watched providers in the space, CARD’s moves are likely to influence how other organizations respond to similar challenges. Its autism therapy leadership changes are not only a response to internal needs but also a blueprint for strategic alignment in an evolving care environment.
Conclusion: Leadership as a Catalyst for Growth
The latest autism therapy leadership changes at CARD are more than routine updates—they represent a deliberate recalibration of vision and leadership designed to meet the demands of modern autism care. With seasoned executives in place and a mission-driven foundation, CARD appears ready to navigate complexity while remaining true to its roots.
For families, clinicians, and industry stakeholders alike, these changes are worth watching as indicators of where the autism therapy sector is heading next.
