JUPITER, FL – Els for Autism, a nonprofit organization that provides programs and services to individuals with autism, their families, and professionals around the globe, is honored to announce the official appointment of three distinguished leaders to its Board of Directors: Donald Allan, Jr., DJ Paoni, and Gary Gauba.
Donald Allan, Jr. is a prominent business leader with a strong background in finance and executive management. Allan is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Stanley Black & Decker, a worldwide leader in tools & outdoor markets and a leading provider of industrial solutions. Allan’s experience in leading a multinational corporation and his commitment to corporate social responsibility will contribute to the ongoing efforts of Els for Autism to support individuals with autism and their families.
DJ Paoni is a seasoned executive in the technology and enterprise software sectors. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Certinia, a market leader in cloud-based solutions for services and technology organizations. As the former President of SAP North America, Paoni spearheaded the growth and innovation of one of the largest business units at SAP and sponsored the company’s
groundbreaking Autism at Work program to provide hiring and workplace support for colleagues with autism. His long-time support for the autism community and expertise in scaling global operations will be instrumental in advancing the organization’s mission.
Gary Gauba brings extensive experience in technology, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership to the Board. He is the Founder and Managing Director of The CXO Fund, Founder and Chairman of TruU (Next Generation Cyber Security Identity platform) as well as Founder and Chairman of Terra Near Net Zero Green Data Centre. With a track record of leading high-growth technology companies and driving innovation, Gauba’s insights will be invaluable to Els for Autism as the organization continues to expand its impact on the autism community.
“The collective expertise, dedication, and prominence of these three leaders in business and philanthropy will undoubtedly bring new energy and insights to our global mission as we embark on yet another ambitious growth phase of Els for Autism,” stated Board Chair, Dr. Michael Alessandri regarding the addition of Donald Allan Jr., DJ Paoni, and Gary Gauba to the Els for Autism Board of Directors. “I am thrilled to have them on board as we continue to make a meaningful impact in the autism community worldwide.”
About Els for Autism®
Established in 2009 by World Golf Hall of Famer and four-time Major Champion Ernie Els, his wife, Liezl, and honorary chair Marvin R. Shanken, the Els for Autism is dedicated to transforming the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers through comprehensive lifespan services and collaborative partnerships. The Els’ son, Ben, is impacted by ASD, which affects 1 in 36 children in the U.S. Els for Autism has provided services to autistic individuals, families, and professionals in 37 countries around the globe. In addition to its U.S. location, Els for Autism has foundations in Canada, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
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