Every chapter of Aspire Living & Learning’s story is written with compassionate care, innovative vision, and an unwavering dedication to those we serve. Today, we’re excited to share a new chapter that honors our legacy while embracing the future.
After months of thoughtful planning, we are delighted to announce that Erica Hare will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on July 1, 2025. Since joining Aspire in 2019 as chief finance and strategy officer, Erica has been instrumental in strengthening our organization’s foundation through strategic vision, operational excellence, and fiscal stewardship. Her leadership has proven invaluable in navigating complex challenges while never losing sight of our core purpose: empowering neurodiverse children and adults to lead independent, meaningful lives.
“Erica’s dedication to Aspire’s mission and her ability to balance compassionate leadership with strategic vision makes her the ideal choice to lead our organization forward,” says Katie Franco, board secretary. “Her proven track record speaks volumes about her capability to strengthen both our services and our community impact.”
This transition builds upon the remarkable legacy of Lou Giramma, CEO since 2015. Under Lou’s stewardship, Aspire has expanded its reach, enhanced its programs, and deepened its commitment to person-centered care. His collaborative leadership style has fostered a culture of innovation and empowerment that resonates throughout our organization. Lou will continue to support Aspire through the end of June, helping to ensure a smooth and seamless transition before his well-earned retirement.
“I am deeply honored to be entrusted with Aspire’s next chapter,” says Erica. “Having worked alongside this incredible team over the past five years has been a privilege. I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of our work. I’m excited to build upon on Lou’s legacy and lead us toward an even more impactful future.”
This announcement represents more than just a leadership change. It’s a reaffirmation of Aspire’s values and a bold step toward our future. As we move forward under Erica’s guidance, we remain committed to expanding our impact, enhancing our services, and creating new possibilities for the people and families we support.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Lou’s extraordinary contributions and welcoming Erica as the new CEO. Together, we’ll continue to build on Aspire’s foundation of service excellence, ensuring that every person we serve has the opportunity to thrive.