Ford to Lead New Strategic Plan as Organization Approaches 40th
Anniversary, Ushering an Innovative Era for the Adaptive Sports
Organization
PARK
CITY, Utah, July 25,
2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Today, the National
Ability Center (NAC), a leading nonprofit organization that
provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for
individuals, families and groups with disabilities, named
Willie Ford, a prominent business
executive, as its next CEO.
"My personal love for outdoor recreation
combined with my previous nonprofit experience, led me to my
purpose – working with and empowering people of all abilities,"
said Willie Ford, CEO of the
National Ability Center.
"For the past eight months, we have worked diligently to
identify a leader who can help us achieve an elevated level of
success. After reviewing over 100 applications, we found a leader
who truly stood out through his connection to our team, mission and
values, and who shares our vision for the future," said
David O'Brien, board chair at the
National Ability Center. "Not only is Ford's leadership experience
exceptional, but his time within the outdoor industry will be
invaluable to our organization."
With over a decade of executive leadership experience, Ford's
professional and personal background in the outdoor and nonprofit
industries is extensive. Most recently, Ford co-founded Givego, a
technology that connects the everyday athlete with professionals
for on-demand coaching and mentorship. He also held senior roles at
Cake, an electric motorcycle and moped organization recognized for
its design and innovative approach to mobility and sustainability,
and POC, a company committed to protecting lives and reducing the
consequences of accidents for athletes and aspiring athletes.
During his tenure at POC, Ford was recognized as a Sporting Goods
Business 40 under 40 honoree, which recognized his contribution in
transforming the organization into one of the fastest-growing
outdoor brands.
Ford also served as vice chair of The High Fives Foundation, an
adaptive sports foundation that provides hope and resources for
athletes from all walks of life, where he deepened his
understanding and passion for adaptive sports and recreation.
During his time on the board, he worked closely on fundraising
efforts, strategic planning and programming. Ford has held several
additional board of director positions, including the UNH Friends
of Skiing and The Shane McConkey Foundation. Ford is a University of New Hampshire graduate and competed
on their alpine ski team as a two-time NCAA All American.
"My personal love for outdoor recreation combined with my
previous nonprofit experience, led me to my purpose – working with
and empowering people of all abilities," said Willie Ford, CEO of the National Ability Center.
"The impact I have seen first-hand is what drove me to this
opportunity where I can contribute to making a positive impact on
people of all abilities. The National Ability Center has immense
potential ahead, supported by an incredible team and excellent
facilities."
The executive search process began back in Oct. 2023. The organization hired DRiWaterstone
to lead this search, forming a committee composed of executive
leaders, board members and staff. Ford began his role as CEO of the
NAC in July 2024, and looks forward
to expanding the current vision of the organization, redefining
their strategic plan and furthering the amount of impact they
deliver nationally.
For additional information about the National Ability Center,
visit discovernac.org.
About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Center (NAC) provides world-class adaptive
recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals, families and
groups with varying physical, cognitive and developmental
disabilities. Rooted in Park City,
UT for nearly 40 years, with a satellite location in
Moab, the NAC empowers over 5,500
competitive athletes, children, active-duty, veterans and others
yearly. Through on-campus and community-based programming, with
individual and group activities, participants build self-esteem,
confidence and lifetime skills. The NAC hosts over 30,000
experiences and lessons each year including alpine and Nordic
skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting,
archery, among others. In 2023, the 9,400 square foot McGrath
Mountain Center opened to serve the NAC's adaptive ski and
snowboard programs, made possible by a historic 50-year land lease
donated by Vail Resorts. With Vail's EpicPromise as the National
Ability Center's largest annual community partner, the NAC is
globally recognized as a leader in adaptive sports. For more
information about the National Ability Center, visit
discovernac.org. For a secure and simple way to donate to the NAC,
text ABILITY to 512-920-5521 or visit discovernac.org/donate/.
Media Contact
Audrey Heinemann, National
Ability Center, 1 6155211999, audrey@palmerpublic.com,
https://discovernac.org/
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SOURCE National Ability Center