A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE AUTISM SOCIETY OF MARYLAND
Melissa Rosenberg, Executive Director and Andrew Stettner, Board President
August 24, 2026
MESSAGE FROM ANDREW STETTNER
I can’t remember exactly who suggested that I call Melissa Rosenberg in the dizzying months after our daughter was diagnosed with autism. But once I did, I knew I had found what we needed – organizational support and a guide to potential solutions to all the vexing challenges that autism poses. The personal touch and patience that Melissa showed when she brought me into the then Howard County Autism Society, would make me think it was an organization with a few hundred clients. But in fact, she has been the hub of support for thousands of people with autism and their families across the state.
Whether the barrier has been large (finding a job or housing) or small (a sensory friendly vaccine site), Melissa has never shied away from a challenge. Under her leadership, we’ve done huge things like building the Patuxent Commons apartment building with 76 inclusive living apartments and the Autism Hiring Program which has placed more than 150 into jobs. Melissa has grown the Howard County Autism Society into the Autism Society of Maryland, serving communities in Anne Arundel and Montgomery counties and taking calls from across the state and beyond. But it is really the small everyday acts of care and support that stand out the most. She makes us all feel like part of a family–obliterating the social isolation that can come with autism.
That’s why we wanted to let our community know that Melissa will be retiring as our Executive Director at the end of 2026, well in advance of her last day in this role. As Board President, I have the privilege of being the first one to publicly thank Melissa for all that she has done for our family and community. We will have many chances from our Autism Walk on October 3 to our Patuxent Affair on December 5 to share our appreciation. And, I also want to say that our best way to show our appreciation is to take what Melissa has built into an even more powerful and innovative resource for those living on the autism spectrum. We will soon post a job posting for our next staff leader, and we invite you to spread the word and reach out to me at andrew.stettner@autismsocietymd.org with any suggestions or questions as we enter this next phase.
Thanks to all of you for support and engagement.
Andy Stettner, President, Autism Society of Maryland
MESSAGE FROM MELISSA ROSENBERG
It is with gratitude that I share that I will be retiring from the Autism Society of Maryland at the end of this year.
I am grateful for an amazing 10 years of organizational and personal growth. In that time, AUSOM spread its wings, expanded its role, and grew its capacity to serve more individuals and families. We built an organization, raised a building, advocated for more resources and better opportunities, celebrated important milestones, navigated COVID, and sadly mourned the loss of some beloved members of our community.
I came to this position after years working with arts nonprofits and then as a consultant. When I heard about the position at AUSOM, I thought it would be a perfect fit. And it has been.
Having a loved one with autism, I thought I knew a great deal when I arrived. I quickly learned how much I didn’t know. The past 10 years have been an extraordinary learning journey, shaped by colleagues, families, and, most importantly, autistic individuals themselves. To the autism community, thank you for helping me grow, learn, and connect. It has been an honor.
I am deeply grateful to our board members, including four stellar board presidents, as well as our grantors, donors, consultants, and colleagues who have supported AUSOM and its mission. And to our incredible staff: what a blessing it has been to work alongside such dedicated, generous, and talented people.
Over the next few months, my role will be to help the organization transition to new leadership. I leave with tremendous confidence in AUSOM’s future and know that it will continue to thrive, serving Maryland’s autism community and leading the way with compassion and excellence.
Thank you for allowing me to be part of this extraordinary journey.
Melissa
