Executive Director of The Rich Center for Autism Michael Latessa, is the first person to earn a bachelor's, master's and recently received his doctorate degree at Youngstown State University (YSU) last December. 

Latessa also excelled as a national champion student athlete for the YSU Penguin football team in 1997 by guiding his team to the national championship under leadership by head coach Jim Tressel. 

"Michael Latessa is a true embodiment of the values that define Youngstown State University. His dedication to both his studies and his athletic career sets a standard of excellence for all of us. He has not only achieved the highest levels of academic success, but he has also played an integral role in advancing the mission of The Rich Center for Autism, showing that leadership extends beyond the classroom and the playing field," said YSU President Bill Johnson.

Latessa joined the Rich Center For Autism's team in May of 2019 when he was hired as its Associate Director of Development. He was promoted to Executive Director in February of 2024.