Important Leadership Update at Avondale House
Dear Avondale Friends and Families,
For 50 years, Avondale House has provided individuals with autism the structure, support, and compassion they need to reach their fullest potential. Thanks to your generosity, our programs have evolved to reflect best practices in individualized, community-based services that empower individuals with autism to live meaningful, connected lives.
Today, we share an important update regarding leadership at Avondale House:
After nine years of extraordinary service, Steve Vetrano has made the decision to step down as Chief Executive Officer. Steve’s last day will be December 31, 2025, and we are deeply grateful for his vision, dedication, and the countless ways he has strengthened our mission and community.
Under Steve’s leadership, Avondale House has grown significantly, expanded programs, and embraced new opportunities to serve individuals with autism. His commitment has positioned us for a strong and promising future, and we celebrate the incredible impact he has made.
To ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition:
- Kevin Kern, our current Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role of Interim CEO effective December 1, 2025.
About Kevin Kern
Kevin Kern joined Avondale House in February 2025 as Chief Operating Officer. Before his tenure here, Kevin served as Chief Operating Officer at The Center for Pursuit and has held leadership roles including Chief Program Officer, Senior Director of Operations, and Director of Residential Services.
With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Kevin has dedicated his career to advancing services for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism. He actively serves on the Board of Directors for Bloom Fitness, participates on the Planning and Advisory Council for The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, and is a member of the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (AAIDD). Kevin has also previously served on both the Texas Chapter of AAIDD and the Private Providers Association of Texas (PPAT).
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science in Human and Social Services Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Bellevue University. He is also a Certified Assisted Living Administrator.
Your past support has been the cornerstone of Avondale House’s ability to remain a lifeline for families who depend on us every single day. As Avondale House steps into this next chapter, your continued partnership is more vital than ever—igniting the programs and possibilities that ensure every adult with autism has the opportunity to thrive.
Together, we will continue to embrace the art of possibility and move confidently into the next 50 years.
Thank you for your trust, partnership, and belief in this vision.