BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Council of Autism Service Providers (CASP), which represents 78 autism services organizations that serve over 30,000 individuals with ASD and over $1 billion annual service dollars, announced today that it has hired Lorri Unumb as its CEO.

“I have always thought of CASP membership as a marker of high-quality autism services, and that has been meaningful to me as an autism parent,” said Lorri Unumb. “I am excited to join CASP professionally and help build a strong, unified voice for the rapidly growing community of providers who serve individuals with autism across the lifespan.”

Lorri Unumb, an attorney, comes to CASP from Autism Speaks where she served for more than a decade as Vice-President for State Government Affairs. Unumb oversaw advocacy initiatives in all 50 states and was responsible for spearheading the autism insurance reform movement, which led to 49 states requiring meaningful health insurance benefits for autism, including Applied Behavior Analysis coverage.

“We could not be more excited that Lorri Unumb is bringing her passion for advocacy and leadership to CASP. Lorri has been a powerful force for creating access to meaningful services for persons with autism,” said Steve Muller, CASP’s Board President. “Lorri’s management skills, policy experience, professional background, relationships and, most importantly, her role as a mother of a child with autism are invaluable to the CASP member community. CASP will undoubtedly flourish under Lorri’s leadership.”

CASP’s mission of supporting its members through cultivating, sharing and advocating for provider best practices in autism services is being accomplished through several key initiatives including an annual conference, leadership development workshops, webinars and the establishment of autism organizational provider standards. Lorri Unumb will work alongside CASP’s Dr. Emily Callahan to continue to further CASP’s mission and expand its influence.

For more information about CASP, please visit: www.casproviders.org.