LAS VEGAS – Grant a Gift Autism Foundation has announced the appointment of Terri Janison as the new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. In this role, Janison will oversee the Foundation’s programs and services, further develop the partnership with the UNLV Medicine Ackerman Autism Center and help build awareness in the community.
A child advocate for over 30 years, Janison has worked in the private and public sectors on behalf of children. Before joining Grant A Gift Autism Foundation, she worked as Vice President of Community & Government Relations for the United Way of Southern Nevada. Janison served on Governor Brian Sandoval’s senior staff in Community Relations and in the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. Prior to working for the Governor, she served in an elected position on the Clark County School Board of Trustees for five years, the last two as president.
“With one child in sixty-eight affected by autism, I am grateful for the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of these children and young adults in our community, and working with a dedicated board and staff” said Janison. “In partnership with the UNLV Medicine Ackerman Autism Center, we hope to further our research and have the ability to provide services to anyone in need.”
Janison currently serves and has served on many state and local boards including the Mission High School Advisory Board, Teachers & Leaders Council, CCSD Superintendent’s Executive Advisory Group, ESSA Advisory board, State of Nevada Jobs for American Graduates Council, Catholic Charities of Southern Nevada, and Hope For Prisoners Advisory Council.
Janison is a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a BA in advertising. She and her husband of 28 years have two children.
Founded in 2009, Grant a Gift Autism Foundation grew out of the struggle of a mom whose son, Grant, was diagnosed with autism and other neuro-developmental conditions. Grant a Gift Autism Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization helping children, youth and their families fight autism by providing diagnostic and treatment funding, support services, social skills and vocational training, transition planning, and education. For additional information, please visit www.GrantAGiftFoundation.org.