Rudy fell in love with nonprofits as a teenager inspired by his mother’s impact at the local soup kitchen and elderly care program. This passion for charitable work stuck through college in leading multiple collegiate programs focused on community while receiving his BA in Communications at the University of North Carolina-Wilmington. Working side by side with patients for the last 18 years in the medical device field Rudy’s passion to change lives is second to none. After Rudy’s son was diagnosed with autism in 2009, he knew his path would change and he is now spending his days helping more people impacted with autism live a better life. When Rudy is not working you will find him being the pacing gymnastics Dad to his two girls, playing guitar, taking pictures of the kids and always with a coffee in hand.

More than 50 animals have had extended stays at the Thoms home thanks to Becky’s unconditional love for all living creatures. In the last seven years she has fostered more than 50 dogs, cats, bunnies, and a bird or lizard a time or two for the Carolina PAWS non profit organization here in Charlotte. Her unwavering love and ability to do what’s right for every soul is the quiet strength that keeps her family and the foundation going. Becky is a professional violinist for the Queen City Ensemble and when she isn’t taking care of the kids, the pets and brides for her violin trio she is teaching Crossfit gymnastics, reading or spending time at the lake with the family.

John Neuman has over 19 years of biotech device experience with the same international company. From customer service to sales and now leadership, he has had a wide-range of experience within the organization lending to a more whole-picture lens in his approach.

Jon Little has nearly 30 years’ experience leading project teams that build new and renovate old buildings throughout Charlotte with one the area’s largest Construction companies.

Chrissy Wilson is an office Manager at Flourish Family and General Dentistry with 20 plus year experience in customer service relations. She is an autism mom who’s passion is to advocate for families with children on the spectrum and prides herself on networking with families to bring more resources to the area. 

LauRen Merola Strager is a former NFL & NBA cheerleader turned radio host. Kicking off her career in Miami as a sports broadcaster, LauRen has over a decade of experience and currently hosts morning radio show, the Maney & LauRen Show. She is also the owner of F is For Fiesta and is a champion for the Autism community.

Gabe is an accomplished executive in the trucking manufacturing industry with more than 15 years of experience at Daimler Truck. His career spans international leadership roles across the United States, Brazil, and Germany, with a strong background in sales, finance, operations, and pricing strategy.

Gabe began his career with Daimler in 2011 as a CAReer Trainee at Mercedes-Benz in Brazil. He went on to hold roles in Operations and Controlling before joining Daimler Truck North America in 2016 as New Truck Sales Controlling Manager. In 2018, he was appointed Senior Finance Manager for Daimler Trucks Remarketing and was later promoted to Director of Quotes, Acquisitions, and Operations. From March 2021 through July 2025, Gabe served as Head of Pricing for Daimler Truck North America. He currently serves as Sales Regional General Manager for the Northeast Region at Daimler Truck North America.

Gabe is an autism dad and a passionate advocate for the autism community. He brings both professional expertise and personal purpose to the autism cause, driven by his family’s journey. He is married and the proud father of three children—Leo, Cecilia, and Sofia. Leo is on the autism spectrum.

Sarah Young is the Chief Financial Officer of Bell Partners. She joined the company in 2025 and serves on the Executive and Investment Committees. Ms. Young leads the accounting, finance, tax, information technology, financial planning, legal/compliance, and risk management teams, and supervises a staff of more than 100 professionals. She previously served as CFO and senior managing director at Quarterra Group (a subsidiary of Lennar, one of the nation’s leading homebuilders), where she worked for 10 years managing financial operations and strategic planning for the organization and its residential platforms. As a member of Quarterra’s Investment Committee, she was actively involved in high-level strategic decisions, contributing to the company’s business performance across various platforms, including multifamily, single-family and land finance.  Before her tenure at Quarterra, Ms. Young was part of the finance group at Walton Street Capital, where she managed equity commitments across several funds. She began her career at Ernst & Young LLP after earning a Master of Accounting and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Outside of her professional life, Sarah enjoys spending time with her husband and their two young sons.

​Brent Young is a Director in the CFO & Business Consulting practice at Forvis Mazars, LLP, bringing over 15 years of experience advising clients across a wide range of industries. He currently focuses on delivering finance and accounting transformation services to middle-market organizations. Brent collaborates with leaders across Forvis Mazars and the broader Consulting practice to drive firm strategy centered on growth, leadership, talent development, client service, innovation, and financial performance. He holds both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Brent is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants. He is also a graduate of the Stanford Creativity and Design Thinking Program.

Outside of work, Brent enjoys spending time with his wife, Sarah, and their two sons, Smith (9) and Gray (5). His personal interests include all Tar Heels sports, golf, reading, and travel.

Rarely spotted without a coffee in her hand, Stephanie much prefers coffee shop chats to board room meetings. As a Professional Speaker, Trainer and Consultant, she has dedicated expertise in sales, customer service, branding and social marketing. From being an award-winning fundraiser to being crowned 2014 Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Woman of the Year and a working background with the American Diabetes Association and Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio, Stephanie brings nearly two decades of nonprofit sector expertise and passion to ASF. When she isn’t training, writing, fundraising or sipping caffeine, you’ll find Stephanie playing with her three girls, two doods and trying to cut off her husband’s “modern” mullet.

Hello, I’m Christy, a rare Charlotte native. I grew up volunteering for numerous nonprofit organizations in the area. After graduating from North Carolina State, I returned to my passion for helping and empowering others and began my career in nonprofits! I love spending time with my husband, our two young girls and our very energetic pup. In my free time I also enjoy outdoor activities, hiking, reading and any arts and crafts project.

Resa Baudoin is the Operations and Team Support Manager at Autism Strong Foundation, with over 25 years of experience in nonprofits and education across the Charlotte area. She holds an MBA from Columbia Southern University and a Graduate Degree in Communication Studies from UNC Charlotte, and is passionate about lifelong learning—from HR to stained glass making. A dedicated explorer, Resa has traveled to nearly every U.S. state and five of the seven continents but can be found most often at her dad’s winery or in the backyard playing with her German Shepherd, Cali.

Kelby Feenaughty is the Program Manager at Autism Strong Foundation and a passionate advocate for autism families, inspired by her own journey as a mom to a nonverbal son with Level 3 autism. She is also the owner and co-host of Things You AUT To Know, a podcast where she shares real-life experiences and resources for autism caregivers. With a background in healthcare management, Kelby leads ASF’s core programs and events with both strategic insight and deep empathy. Outside of work, she finds joy in movement, music, and quality time with her husband and two boys.