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Valisha Fullard is the Executive Director of the California Autism Foundation, a leading non-profit organization that focuses on providing people with autism and other developmental disabilities with exciting opportunities to grow and thrive within a supportive residential community. Fullard joined CAF in the spring of 2006 as the Director of Human Resources, where she instantly connected with the passion and purpose of CAF. As an experienced non-profit professional, Fullard’s strengths and skills include crisis management, empathetic leadership, relationship cultivation, business administration, and community building.

During her tenure as Executive Director, Fullard had established herself as an indispensable leader. In 2008, Fullard successfully guided the company through the largest reorganization in CAF’s history. Over a two-year period, Fullard and CAF reduced the workforce by more than 50%. During this time, Fullard promoted management structure by improving engagement from Executive Director reports, increased on-site Executive presence, and enhanced senior leadership focus.

Her crisis management skills have helped CAF recover from a period faced with financial challenges, thus ensuring that the non-profit could continue to make an impact within the local Richmond community. With CAF looking forward to a bright and exciting future, Fullard is aiming to enhance the organization’s mission by increasing opportunities for individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.

In her role as Executive Director, Fullard has managerial oversight for CAF’s corporate audits, Business and Code of Ethics conducts, and related regulatory and compliance matters. Fullard also has responsibility to maintain a comprehensive risk management system that supports a compliant, accountable, and transparent environment.

Before working with CAF, Fullard began her career with the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, where she was influential in developing a new HRIS system. After her term with the Packard Foundation, Valisha became a Recruiter for an Executive Search Firm in the Silicon Valley area, where she recruited mid-to upper-level management candidates for several Fortune 500 companies, including Cisco Systems, Sun Microsystems, Quantum and BEA Systems.

Fullard has a passion for serving the disabled community and volunteering with women’s shelters. In addition to her volunteer work at the Shelter for Battered Women and Children, Fullard has received an Outstanding Achievement Award from the I Will Survive Women’s Organization of San Joaquin Valley.