Staatsburg, New York…. The Board of Trustees of Anderson Center for Autism announced today that Patrick D. Paul, CPA, ERMP, CEO and Executive Director since 2017, will step down from his role at the end of 2026 to spend more time with family.
Dr. Tina Marie Covington, who currently works as Anderson’s Chief Operating Officer (COO), will become CEO and Executive Director in January of 2027, at which point Paul will shift into an advisory role with the organization to ensure a smooth transition.
Paul first began working at Anderson in 2000 as the Corporate Controller; he then held the positions of Corporate Compliance Officer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Operating Officer prior to becoming CEO and Executive Director. Before joining Anderson’s team, Paul was a Trooper for the New York State Police; he also worked in banking, accounting, and investment management; he is a Certified Public Accountant.
Said Philip J. Bronzi, Chair of the Boards of Anderson Center for Autism and Anderson Center Services, Inc., “Patrick is a visionary, innovative, caring leader who has done so much for so many, but especially for everyone who is part of Anderson’s community. He has helped build capacity and infrastructure, secure a strong financial position, develop strategic policies, and most importantly, ensure that we are doing everything we can to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism, their families, and our team.”
Reflected Paul, “Being part of Anderson has been a great privilege, and now I’m looking forward to spending more time with family, particularly my 90-year-old father. It has been an honor to work alongside professionals, families, and supporters who are so deeply devoted to our mission; I’m extremely grateful to all of them. Dr. Covington will make an excellent CEO; she’s highly respected by team members, families, donors, and colleagues in our field, and I’m confident that she will help our agency continue to make great strides.”
Added Bronzi, “As COO, Dr. Covington has added value and insight to every important conversation, and has been instrumental in expanding our impact throughout the country and around the world. Her deep institutional knowledge and genuine love of this field will inspire everyone around her to build on Anderson’s tradition of excellence.”
Dr. Tina Marie Covington started working at Anderson Center for Autism in 2017 when she accepted the role of Chief Program Officer, and moved into the Chief Operating Officer position in 2018. A licensed behavior analyst and certified educator, Covington previously worked as Adjunct Professor at Manhattanville College, Program Coordinator at Hawthorne Country Day School, and Executive Director at the Hawthorne Foundation. She has done extensive work in curriculum development, staff training, and has conducted research in Applied Behavior Analysis.
Said Dr. Covington, “I am so thankful to have had the chance to learn from Patrick Paul, and feel honored beyond measure to be stepping into the CEO position. We have so much important work to do for the individuals and families we serve, and for our larger cause; I look forward to bringing our strategic vision to life.”
Learn more about Anderson Center for Autism by visiting andersoncenterforautism.org.
About Anderson Center for Autism (ACA): Our mission at Anderson Center for Autism is to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.
About Anderson Foundation for Autism (AFA): Through grantmaking, fundraising, and marketing initiatives, Anderson Foundation for Autism helps support, sustain, and expand upon Anderson Center for Autism’s efforts to optimize the quality of life for individuals with autism.