The Autism Science Foundation Names Financial Sector Veteran And Extraordinary Ventures Founder Gregg Ireland As Chairman
THE AUTISM SCIENCE FOUNDATION NAMES FINANCIAL SECTOR VETERAN AND EXTRAORDINARY VENTURES FOUNDER GREGG IRELAND AS CHAIRMAN
The Autism Science Foundation, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to supporting and funding autism research, announced today that Gregg Ireland will become its board chairman effective January 1, 2016, following a unanimous vote by its board of directors.
Mr. Ireland, who has served on the Autism Science Foundation’s board since 2012, is a respected financial industry executive and, along with his wife, Lori, the co-founder of Extraordinary Ventures, a North Carolina-based program that builds small businesses to provide meaningful employment opportunities for people with autism.
“In just a few short years, the Autism Science Foundation has emerged as a valued and influential player in the field of autism research, and I am thrilled to be a part of its growth,” said Ireland. “This organization is playing a unique role by funding not only important research from established scientists, but also innovative work by emerging researchers. The progress being made is the greatest gift we can offer families, like mine, who are affected by autism.”
“Gregg and Lori Ireland are true innovators in the autism community and wonderful examples of what can be accomplished when we focus on creating opportunities for people with autism,” said Alison Singer, president and co-founder of the Autism Science Foundation. “We are thrilled to be able to draw upon Gregg’s experience in the autism community and his business world expertise to help guide our organization forward.”
Beyond his involvement in the autism community, Ireland is a partner at Capital World Investors, a division of Capital Research and Management Company. He is a senior vice president and portfolio manager in Growth Fund of America and until last month was the principal investment officer of New Perspective Fund, where he is also a director. In his 43-year career at Capital, Ireland has managed portfolios in funds ranging from Investment Company of America and Washington Mutual Investors Fund to New Perspective Fund and Capital World Growth & Income.
Ireland holds a bachelor’s degree summa cum laude from Claremont McKenna College and an M.B.A. from Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration. He resides in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with his wife Lori and has four adult children.
About the Autism Science Foundation
The Autism Science Foundation (ASF) is a 501(c)(3) public charity. Its mission is to support autism research by providing funding to scientists and organizations conducting autism research. ASF also provides information about autism to the general public and serves to increase awareness of autism spectrum disorders and the needs of individuals and families affected by autism. To learn more about the Autism Science Foundation or to make a donation, visit www.autismsciencefoundation.org.