Autism Alliance of Michigan names new president as leadership structure splits

The Autism Alliance of Michigan has named Dr. Nicole Hamp president, while Dr. Colleen Allen remains CEO, effective Sept. 1. The leadership change is meant to sharpen focus as the organization expands statewide programs, advocacy and support for autistic people and their families.

Why it matters: - The Autism Alliance of Michigan is separating its top leadership roles to match a broader statewide mission. - The change is designed to give more focus to operations, strategy, advocacy and program delivery as AAoM expands. - Families across Michigan could see the shift show up in faster program execution and stronger system-level advocacy.

What happened: - Autism Alliance of Michigan named Dr. Nicole “Nikki” Hamp, MD, MPA, FAAP, as president, effective Sept. 1, 2026. - Colleen Allen, PhD, will remain chief executive officer. - The organization said the two roles are now formally separated to reflect the growing scope of its statewide work. - The announcement was made Sept. 23, 2026, in Lansing.

The details: - Hamp is a board-certified developmental-behavioral pediatrician. - She most recently served as chief health and program officer on AAoM’s senior leadership team. - In the president role, Hamp will lead day-to-day operations, oversee the executive leadership team, and align programs with advocacy. - Hamp will execute strategic goals set by the board and CEO. - Her portfolio includes connecting AAoM’s family services, statewide advocacy and systems-change work across the lifespan. - Hamp also holds an adjunct faculty appointment in the Division of Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine. - Hamp 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. - Allen said the new structure lets each leader focus on the areas where they can have the greatest impact. - Allen will continue setting strategic direction with the board and building external partnerships. - Both Allen and Hamp will report to the AAoM Board of Directors.

Between the lines: - The leadership shift signals that AAoM is moving from a centralized model to a more specialized executive structure. - That usually happens when organizations grow enough that strategy, partnerships and operations need separate owners. - The board’s move also suggests confidence that Hamp can translate program experience into broader management responsibility. - Board Chair Colette Rizik called the structure a way to strengthen continuity while preserving focus.

What's next: - Hamp will oversee initiatives tied to screening in primary care and pathways to diagnosis. - AAoM is also pushing value-based insurance design for patients with disabilities, safety initiatives, first-responder training and special education finance reform. - The organization plans to keep working to improve consistency and quality across the autism service provider network. - The new setup will be tested by how well the two leaders coordinate strategy, partnerships and execution as AAoM scales statewide.

The bottom line: - AAoM is betting that split leadership will help it grow without losing focus on families, advocacy and systems change.