The Autism Treatment Center of Texas (ATC) seeks an exceptional leader to serve as its next Executive Director & Chief Executive Officer (ED/CEO). ATC is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting people with autism and related disorders throughout their lives as they learn, play, work, and live in the community. Founded in 1976, ATC brings nearly 50 years of experience and statewide credibility as one of Texas’s most established autism service providers.
Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, with operations in Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, ATC delivers a lifespan continuum of autism-specific services supported by a committed workforce of more than 240 employees. The organization serves individuals beginning as young as age three through senior adulthood, offering consistent, year-round services—including 24/7/365 support for individuals with complex needs—across educational, residential, adult/vocational, and outpatient clinical settings.
ATC’s integrated service model includes a TEA-certified educational program, community-based residential services, adult day and vocational programming, and outpatient therapies, including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), speech therapy, and occupational therapy. Together, these programs promote communication, independence, functional skill development, and meaningful community inclusion. With community-based group homes, adult services facilities, and outpatient clinics, ATC provides a comprehensive continuity of care that is uncommon in the autism services landscape.
This leadership opportunity comes at an important inflection point. As autism prevalence continues to rise, and service gaps for adolescents and adults remain particularly acute, ATC is focused on strengthening infrastructure, supporting workforce stability, expanding access, and ensuring long-term sustainability. The next ED/CEO will have the opportunity to build on a strong legacy while helping shape the organization’s future through strategic planning, operational excellence, financial stewardship, and thoughtful growth.
Reporting to the Board of Directors, the ED/CEO will serve as ATC’s chief strategist, culture-builder, and external ambassador. The successful candidate will partner closely with the Board and senior leadership team to advance a clear strategic vision; enhance organizational systems and performance measurement; support staff engagement and development; and strengthen relationships with families, funders, public partners, and community stakeholders at the local, state, and regional levels.
With annual revenues of approximately $18 million and nearly $20 million in assets, ATC operates at a meaningful scale, requiring a leader with sound judgment, credibility, and a collaborative leadership style to navigate complexity while keeping the mission at the center of every decision.
This is a full-time leadership role primarily based in ATC’s Dallas, Texas office. Preference will be given to candidates who currently reside in the Dallas area or are willing to relocate. The successful candidate will travel regularly to ATC’s Fort Worth and San Antonio sites to support staff, programs, and community relationships across the organization’s multi-site footprint. The Board may consider a candidate living in South Texas, provided they maintain a consistent and frequent presence in the Dallas office.
WittKieffer is assisting the Autism Treatment Center of Texas with this search. Applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. For fullest consideration, candidates should provide a resumé and a letter of interest as two separate documents. Applications should be submitted by using the WittKieffer Candidate Portal (https://apptrkr.com/6932099) or via email to WittKieffer consultants Ashley Buderus, John Fazekas, and Stephanie Ikediobi at sikediobi@wittkieffer.com.