LOS ANGELES– FirstSteps for Kids, Inc., an established leading provider of applied behavior analysis (ABA) services for autistic children, today announces new leadership. Dr. Jennifer Harris, Founder and Chairperson welcomes Matt McAlear as Chief Executive Officer and Anne Swinney as Chief Operations Officer for the California-based organization.
Matt McAlear has 25+ years of experience serving children with learning differences in school and community settings and in executive leadership roles in the private sector. His past work includes M&A, organizational development and spearheading organic growth, acquisition integrations, team culture building, and public policy. In addition to serving as CEO, Matt will continue his role as the Executive Director for the California Association for Behavior Analysis (CalABA).
Anne Swinney has more than 25 years of experience as a significant contributor to the
innovative growth and success of organizations including healthcare, Internet start-up and multi-billion dollar investment companies. As a change leader in ABA, she founded and sold a multi-state behavioral health company and negotiated the first statewide contract with California’s largest health plan, broadly introducing ABA treatment to its members.
“I am thrilled to work closely with Matt and Anne to expand our mission of providing the highest quality ABA Intervention to more children in need,” said Dr. Harris. “I have no doubt that Matt’s calm, values-driven leadership is a perfect fit for FirstSteps and Anne’s operational savvy and her authentic kind-hearted nature will make her an invaluable leader for our team.”
