Rich Center vet named its new director

Source: The Vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN -- Michael Latessa has been appointed executive director of The Paula and Anthony Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University.

Latessa has been serving as the interim executive director since August 2023. Before assuming the interim role, he worked as the center's associate director of development.

"Since May 2019, it has been a pleasure working alongside our staff, administration, families, board members, donors and volunteers to serve our mission," Latessa said.

He said he knows how valuable The Rich Center is to the community and sees the positive impacts it makes daily for those living with autism, as well as the opportunities the center can offer on the YSU campus.

Latessa has spent a significant amount of time on the YSU campus as a student-athlete, teacher and advocate for The Rich Center. He is pursuing his third degree from the university: a doctorate in education leadership.

"To walk the halls and see the impact our staff makes with our students on a daily basis is a testament to our vision," he said. "Collaborating with individuals on the common goal of serving the autism community and identifying research opportunities at YSU, a place that means so much to me, is extremely gratifying."

There are lofty goals and plans for The Rich Center moving forward. Since he began his career at The Rich Center five years ago, Latessa has made it his mission to not only improve the Center's location on the YSU campus, but to expand the footprint of the Center in order to serve the growing need in Ohio.

Latessa acknowledges the need for autism services in our local community.

"With the current CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) diagnosis rate at 1 in 36, we have to continue to find ways to serve our population and collaborate with the local and regional autism community and support organizations," he said.

He said he knows that without the support of those around him, it would be a tall task to accomplish all the great things The Rich Center has done so far and all that he has planned for the future.

"I want to thank the center board members, staff, Dean (Charles) Howell and YSU for believing in me and trusting our plans and visions for The Rich Center's future," Latessa said.