Autism Alliance of Michigan Names Dr. Nicole Hamp President as Statewide Impact Expands; Dr. Colleen Allen Remains CEO
New leadership structure creates distinct President and CEO roles to strengthen organizational focus and advance AAoM’s
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New leadership structure creates distinct President and CEO roles to strengthen organizational focus and advance AAoM’s statewide mission
LANSING, MI, UNITED STATES, September 23, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) today announced that Dr. Nicole “Nikki” Hamp, MD, MPA, FAAP, has been named President of the organization, effective September 1, 2026. Colleen Allen, PhD, who has served as President and CEO, will continue to lead AAoM as Chief Executive Officer, with the two roles now formally separated to reflect the increasing scope of the organization’s statewide work, and provide greater focus across AAoM’s strategic leadership, programs and operations.
Dr. Hamp is a board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician who has served on AAoM’s senior leadership team, most recently as Chief Health and Program Officer. In her new role as President, she will provide day-to-day leadership across AAoM’s operations, oversee the executive leadership team, and ensure alignment across programs and advocacy. She will be responsible for executing the board and CEO’s strategic goals, while strengthening the connections among the organization’s direct work with families, statewide advocacy, and efforts to improve the systems that affect autistic people and their families across the lifespan.
Dr. Hamp holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine and serves as a governor-appointee to the Michigan Interagency Coordinating Council for Infants and Toddlers with Developmental Disabilities and the Every Child Reads Champions Council.
“Nikki has been an indispensable partner in strengthening AAoM’s programs and advancing how we serve families and drive systems change across Michigan. She has stepped up to lead our programs, create new opportunities in the healthcare advocacy space, and expand our vision for the future. Her appointment as President recognizes the leadership she is already providing,” said Colleen Allen, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. “This new structure allows each of us to focus more deeply on where we can have the greatest impact. As CEO, I will continue working closely with the board to set our strategic direction and priorities, and build the external partnerships that make this organization a true alliance. Nikki will lead the programs, people, and operations that turn that strategy into impact. I couldn’t ask for a stronger partner in this work.”
“I’m honored to step into this role at such a pivotal moment for autistic people and their families in Michigan,” said Dr. Hamp. “Families across our state still face barriers at every stage of life, from screening and diagnosis to health care, education, housing, employment, and opportunities to participate fully in their communities. What excites me about this role is the opportunity to take what we hear and learn from families every day and translate it into stronger programs, partnerships, and statewide solutions. I’m grateful to Colleen and to our board for their trust, and I’m energized by what we can build together.”
The restructured leadership model reflects AAoM’s ongoing investment in its organizational capacity as it expands initiatives across the state, including efforts to improve screening in primary care and pathways to diagnosis, promote value-based insurance design that better supports patients with disabilities, expand safety initiatives and first-responder training, advance special education finance reform, and increase consistency and quality across the autism service provider network. Both leaders will continue to report to the AAoM Board of Directors.
“The board has watched Nikki’s impact on this organization firsthand, and formalizing her role as President is a natural next step for AAoM,” said Colette Rizik, Board Chair of the Autism Alliance of Michigan. “This structure gives Colleen and Nikki clear, complementary leadership roles and strengthens AAoM’s ability to advance its mission with focus and continuity. The board has tremendous confidence in their partnership and in what it will make possible for the people and families AAoM serves.”
About the Autism Alliance of Michigan
The Autism Alliance of Michigan (AAoM) is a 501(c)(3) organization and trusted ally and partner for autistic individuals and their loved ones. AAoM’s mission is to lead efforts to raise expectations and expand opportunities for people affected by autism across their lifespan. We work to create a more accepting future for all people by cultivating a world rich in diverse abilities, talents, and ideas. For support and resource identification for autism related needs, connect with our MiNavigator Program at: https://autismallianceofmichigan.org/contact-minavigator/ or call us at : 877-463-2266 (AAoM).
Manny Rivera
Rivera Communications
+1 626-864-7467
manny@riveracomms.com
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