MEET OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM

 Legacy CEO

dawnallen@ghainc.org

Dawn Allen has been the President/Chief Executive Officer of GHA Autism Supports, formerly known as Group Homes for the Autistic/GHA, since 1984. She received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Pfeiffer University and a Master of Education from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Dawn joined the organization as a direct care staff person in 1981 when it was then known as “The Group Home for the Autistic”, the first residence that was home to five children. Since that time, GHA Autism Supports has expanded offering a number of services for individuals with autism. Under her leadership, the entity has grown from an organization serving five children to an organization that currently supports over 100 individuals in programs providing residential, vocational, educational, community and in-home services.

Within her professional realm, Dawn serves as a member of the Pfeiffer University Board of Trustees, having been appointed in 2025, and she serves on the Board of Directors of Rubicon and the NC Providers Council. In addition, she serves as the Chair of the Advisory Council for Atrium Health in Stanly County, and she is also an active member of the Albemarle Rotary Club. 

In 2018, NC Governor Roy Cooper appointed Dawn to serve on the NC Council on Developmental Disabilities and was appointed to a second term in 2022. In both 1998 and 2008, Dawn was named “Professional of the Year” by the Autism Society of North Carolina (ASNC). In addition, she was presented the Achievement Award by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Division TEACCH Program in 2008. In 2012, Dawn was awarded the NC Providers Council “Steve Jordan Lighthouse Award” for her extraordinary contributions to the IDD, MH and SA systems through innovative practices, inspiring leadership and passionate advocacy efforts. In 2017, she was awarded the Pfeiffer University Distinguished Alumni Award.

Over the years, Dawn has remained active in her community by serving as Past-President and Campaign Chair of the United Way of Stanly County and has served several terms on the Executive Committee of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce. Dawn has served as a past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Stanly County Community Foundation and the NC Providers Council.  

Chief Executive Officer

deepankey@ghainc.org

Dee Pankey-Thompson brings nearly three decades of dedicated service, leadership, and commitment to GHA Autism Supports. Thompson joined GHA 29 years ago as a direct care support staff member and has since served in a wide range of leadership and operational roles, including Community Service Coordinator, Qualified Professional, Residential Director, Chief Operations Officer, Chief Strategy Officer, and, most recently, Executive Vice President and Chief Quality Officer, a position she has held since July 2023. Her nearly 30 years with GHA have given Thompson a unique and comprehensive understanding of the organization’s mission, culture, programs, employees, individuals served, and families. Her career journey—from providing direct support to serving in executive leadership—has shaped a leadership approach grounded in experience, relationships, quality, and a deep understanding of the people and communities GHA serves.

Thompson earned her bachelor’s degree from Catawba College and her Master of Science in Leadership and Organizational Change from Pfeiffer University. A strong believer in community involvement, Thompson has dedicated significant time to serving organizations that strengthen the Stanly County community. She currently serves as a board member of the Stanly County Family YMCA and as an advisory board member for Pfeiffer University’s Occupational Therapy Program and the Stanly County Partnership for Children Pre-K Program. Previously, she served as an active board member of the Stanly County Chamber of Commerce and on the advisory committee for the Stanly Regional Butterfly House Advocacy Center. Her commitment to her community extends beyond formal board service. Throughout the years, Thompson has been actively involved with PTO organizations and booster clubs at Central Elementary School, Albemarle Middle School, and Albemarle High School.

Thompson has also contributed her expertise at the professional and state levels, formerly serving on the Global Quality Improvement Committee of Trillium Health Resources and the Cultural Competency Committee of Cardinal Innovations. Throughout her career, Thompson has remained committed to advancing quality services and creating meaningful opportunities for individuals with autism and intellectual and developmental disabilities. Her extensive experience, combined with her passion for people and community, provides her with a distinctive perspective as she continues to help guide GHA Autism Supports into its next chapter.