Leading the Way: Insights from Our New President Of North America on the Future of ABA

At Lumary, we’re constantly evolving to meet the needs of the ABA industry, and having the right leadership in place is key to achieving our mission. Recently, we welcomed Kyle Hanagarne as our new President of Lumary North America, bringing fresh insights, a mission-driven mindset, and a strategic approach to empowering ABA providers. Watch the video to hear Kyle’s insights, then dive into the blog for a deeper look at his vision, strategies, and the exciting future of ABA with Lumary.

What unique perspective or approach do you bring to the North American market?

In a previous role, I had the privilege of overseeing enterprise-grade solutions on the Salesforce platform for some of the world’s largest brands. The ABA industry, though smaller in scale, is growing rapidly, with its needs surpassing the innovation offered by many current software providers.

Lumary’s solution, built natively on Salesforce, is a game-changer. Combining my enterprise solutions background with a modern, adaptable platform allows us to address complex challenges with agility. This capability is why so many ABA providers are choosing Lumary.

The regulatory environment is evolving quickly, and so must the industry. Our mission is to deliver elegant, timely solutions that directly impact providers’ ability to deliver care and, ultimately, the lives of the families they support. I keep the families I’ve met in mind with every decision, ensuring we’re always working toward meaningful outcomes.

How do you set strategic priorities while balancing quick wins with long-term goals?

Strategic priorities start with a clear vision. If you know where you want to end up—even if the exact path isn’t clear—you can make progress in the right direction. For me, about 80% of strategic planning is understanding what we aim to achieve and why it matters.

At Lumary North America, our goal is to help ABA providers deliver exceptional care, reach more families, and remain financially sustainable. While this is a great business opportunity, the real motivation is the positive impact on families navigating autism care.

Whether it’s a quick win or a major initiative, the key is ensuring it aligns with our overarching goals. Distractions, even if they seem like good opportunities, can pull us off course. Staying focused on our mission keeps us moving efficiently toward our target.

What trends do you see for the ABA industry in 2025?

The demand for ABA services will continue to grow as autism diagnosis rates remain high. We’ll see more providers entering the market, existing organizations scaling up, and increased investment activity in the space.

What will set Lumary apart is our adaptability. Changes that might take weeks or months for our competitors to implement can often be achieved in minutes with Lumary’s configurable platform. Our speed, coupled with outstanding customer support and a user-friendly design, is a significant advantage.

We’re also excited about our 2025 roadmap, which includes groundbreaking features designed to further empower ABA providers.

What makes a partnership successful, and how do you apply that to client relationships?

This is a big question, and while many factors contribute to successful partnerships, the ones most relevant to customer relationships are: 1) Aligned goals and values, 2) Strong communication, and 3) Mutual trust and respect. A successful partnership means understanding each other’s needs, strengths, and goals, and acting with integrity to build trust. That trust is more valuable than any contract. Aligned goals and values also make it easier to communicate effectively and create mutually beneficial outcomes.

With our customers, we focus on understanding their operations and challenges—like tight margins and reimbursement rates not keeping up with inflation, which impacts families. We aim to deliver value at a fair price to support their growth, not hinder it. We also involve customers in shaping the product’s future by incorporating their feedback into our planning sessions.

What core values guide your professional and personal decisions?

I believe in using my life to create a positive impact. That means prioritizing long-term outcomes over short-term comfort and taking my responsibilities seriously.

Whether it’s with customers, colleagues, or family, I strive to act with integrity and empathy. Decisions shouldn’t just benefit me—they should also positively impact those I work with and serve.

How do you keep learning and evolving as a leader?

Curiosity is key. I’m not afraid to ask questions—even if they seem simple—to ensure I fully understand a concept. Listening to diverse perspectives helps me make better-informed decisions.

I enjoy reading management books (Patrick Lencioni is a favorite) and learning from those who’ve mastered their craft. Whether it’s an expert in their field or a teammate with unique insights, there’s always something to learn if you pay attention.

What’s been one of the biggest challenges in your career, and what did it teach you?

Leading a global professional services team during a period of explosive growth was the most challenging experience of my career. Our team expanded from fewer than 10 people to over 500 in just a few years, requiring constant process and structural overhauls.

I learned that maintaining a sense of humor, staying kind under pressure, and surrounding yourself with supportive people are essential for navigating tough times. Cool-headedness and collaboration always lead to better outcomes.

How do you build trust and collaboration across regional teams?

Building trust starts with genuine curiosity about others’ perspectives, cultures, and experiences. Technology makes global collaboration easier than ever, but the principles of camaraderie, clear communication, and mutual understanding remain the same.

At Lumary, we leverage these principles to strengthen our global teams, ensuring we deliver exceptional software and support to healthcare providers worldwide.

Have questions or want to share insights? Connect with Kyle on LinkedIn to continue the conversation and explore how Lumary can support your goals.