The nation’s largest autism advocacy group is getting a new leader who’s ripe with experience from some of the nonprofit sector’s biggest names.

Angela Timashenka Geiger will take over as president and CEO of Autism Speaks in February, the organization said this week.

Geiger comes to Autism Speaks after nearly a decade at the Alzheimer’s Association where she served as chief strategy officer. She previously held leadership roles at the American Cancer Society.

“It is truly an honor to be joining an organization that has had such a profound impact in 10 short years,” Geiger said in a statement announcing her hire. “There is much work to be done for the millions impacted by autism around the globe. I look forward to leading and collaborating toward a common goal – a world that is a more accepting and supportive place for all those with autism.”

Angela Timashenka Geiger will assume the role of president and CEO at Autism Speaks in February. (Alzheimer’s Association)

Geiger replaces Liz Feld who announced in September that she would be leaving Autism Speaks after little more than three years heading the group.

Feld will stay on to help with the transition, according to Autism Speaks’ spokesman C.J. Volpe, but she will not stay through June as originally planned.

Geiger will work out of the nonprofit’s New York office. She does not have a personal connection to autism, Volpe said.

“She is a visionary, with a history of leadership and a record of accomplishment in family services, supporting the field, driving revenue and advancing science and advocacy priorities,” said Brian Kelly, chairman of the Autism Speaks board. “Her strong record of success and experience makes Angela the perfect person to lead our team into the next decade.”

Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to clarify that Liz Feld will leave Autism Speaks earlier than planned.

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