Els for Autism is pleased to announce the appointment of its new board chair, Donald (Don) Allan, Jr. Allan has been a valued partner of Els for Autism both personally and professionally through Stanley Black & Decker, where he now serves as Executive Chair after previously holding the role of President and CEO.
“I too have family members who are impacted by autism,” said Allan. “For years, I watched them struggle with some of the complexities, just trying to get the support they needed. As a family, we all work together to navigate that journey.”
Allan was first introduced to Els for Autism by participating in the Els for Autism Golf Challenge regional event series. “I was aware of Ernie Els and his golf career and watched him flourish and achieve everything he did on the golf course. However, I was not aware of what was happening here in Florida to support the autism community.”
After learning more about The Els Center of Excellence and the life-changing programs provided by the Els for Autism team to support thousands of families of children with autism of all ages, Allan became instrumental in bringing Stanley Black & Decker on board as a major supporter.
“One of the things I have always said about Stanley Black & Decker is that there are three things that make this company great: our people, our brands, and the innovation we bring to our end users,” Allan shared. “But it starts with the people, not just talented people who do good jobs, but people who are truly invested in our company, our community, and each other.
“When I think about community and being invested in one another, autism has a huge place in that discussion,” Allan added. “It’s about asking how we ensure we’re not leaving anyone behind, and how we help everyone succeed in some way, shape, or form.”
As a champion of Els for Autism, Allan has helped lead Stanley Black & Decker’s involvement as a National Sponsor of the Golf Challenge since 2023. In addition to the company’s sponsorship, Allan also serves as co-chair of the annual Connecticut Golf Challenge regional event.
In 2023, Stanley Black & Decker donated $100,000 to name one of our vocational labs, located in the Stoops Family Adult Services Building, and contributed equipment and tools to outfit the lab. Autistic adults are now learning basic carpentry and woodworking skills in the Stanley Black & Decker Lab.
A few months later, Stanley Black & Decker pledged $5 million to name the gymnasium within the Specialized Autism Friendly Recreation Complex at The Els Center of Excellence set to open in 2027. “It’s not about me personally,” Allan said. “It’s about a company that is extremely generous.”
When sharing his involvement with Els for Autism, Allan has seen how large the autism community has become. “It’s amazing how many people are living with family members who have autism, but don’t often talk about it in everyday social settings,” he said. “Through those conversations, I’ve realized just how significant this is for our communities and our world, and it’s truly an honor to be part of it.”
“On behalf of Marvin Shanken and my wife, Liezl, we are deeply thankful for the many years of support Don has already given,” said Ernie Els, former World No. 1, World Golf Hall of Famer, four-time Major Champion, and co-founder of Els for Autism. “Now, as board chair, we know he will guide our team as we continue to serve more families around the globe impacted by autism.”
With Allan’s leadership as board chair, Els for Autism is poised to continue advancing its mission, expanding its global impact, and creating a world of limitless possibilities for individuals with autism spectrum disorder and their families.
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