Industry News
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, Utah, for nearly 40 years, with a satellite location in Moab, the NAC empowers over 5,500 competitive athletes, children, active-duty, and veterans yearly. Through on-campus and community-based programming, participants build self-esteem, confidence, and lifetime skills through individual and group activities. The NAC hosts over 30,000 experiences and lessons yearly, including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, and archery. Leading this team to accomplish these objectives takes great leadership.
On July 25, the NAC announced Willie Ford as its next CEO to lead the organization and programs in the future and drive The National Ability Center to new heights. The National Ability Center leadership team is pivotal in realizing its mission to empower individuals of all abilities through adaptive recreation and educational programs. With their strategic vision, dedication, and expertise, they steer the initiatives to ensure the delivery of high-quality, inclusive programming and services. “Not only is Ford’s leadership experience exceptional, but his time within the outdoor industry will be invaluable to our organization,” said David O’Brien, board chair at the National Ability Center, in a press release.
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 connecting everyday athletes 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 to 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. While on the board, he worked closely on fundraising efforts, strategic planning, and programming. Ford has held several additional boards of director positions, including the UNH Friends of Skiing and The Shane McConkey Foundation. His dedication to excellence was recognized with a 40 under 40 award from the sporting goods business in 2016.
“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 NAC leadership team must understand the profound importance of community and collaboration. They foster a culture of innovation and compassion, creating an environment where staff, volunteers, and participants can thrive. The leadership team strategically secures essential resources, builds robust partnerships, and maintains a steadfast commitment to advocacy. The team ensures the NAC’s sustainability and growth. Their efforts enable it to positively impact countless lives in the future.
Now that Ford is the CEO of The National Ability Center, he plans on leading the organization in its mission to provide adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals with disabilities. With a rich background in leadership, innovation, and community service, Ford brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to making a positive impact. Ford’s leadership philosophy is grounded in optimism and inspiration, and he believes in the power of positive leadership to drive change and create a lasting impact. With this diverse and accomplished background, Ford is poised to drive The National Ability Center to new heights.
Ford has roots at Holderness School in New Hampshire, which offers students experiences that will shape, guide, and even transform how they see themselves. Holderness is a guided process of self-discovery in a supportive community that encourages growth in and out of the classroom. By graduation, Holderness students are prepared to excel in college and life. Ford, now a resident of Park City, would walk past the National Ability Center a few times a week with his wife. “If the opportunity ever opens up to lead that organization, I feel that I would make a really good fit, and I’d love to do it,” Ford said to his wife.
He knew that his career path would mean having a job that meant something and made a difference in the world. His early life of growing up in the outdoors and feeling the impact of outdoor recreation in his life daily is something he wants others to have the same opportunity to experience. Making a difference and a positive impact on an individual’s life is paramount to Ford. “The last month has been the most rewarding of my professional career, no question asked, nothing compares to it,” Ford said.
He has experience working with wounded veterans and individuals with physical challenges and wants to make a bigger impact on the individuals and families moving forward. The individuals who go to the NAC have physical and mental challenges that most of us can never relate to. Going outside for a walk, biking, skiing, swimming, or anything that most people would take for granted becomes a huge challenge to these individuals. Some individuals with physical or mental challenges who come to NAC have been told that they cannot do it or that it is too complicated by people in the past. This is unacceptable to Ford. “When other people say ‘no,’ we say ‘yes,’ and figure it out,” Ford said.
Ford mentioned four key points moving forward as the CEO of the National Ability Center. Those were volunteering, donations and fundraising, applying, and spreading the word. Last year, NAC had over 1,000 volunteers who contributed 12,000 hours of service of time to the National Ability Center. Volunteers are crucial to the program’s success, well-being, and survival. If you cannot volunteer and still want to make a positive impact on helping others in need, then you can donate money. Fundraising and donations are key to helping an operationally heavy organization keep the lights on. A great example of this was the opening of the 9,400-square-foot McGrath Mountain Center, which serves the NAC’s adaptive ski and snowboard programs. That was 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.
If you are an avid outdoors person, a ski instructor, or a bike instructor, there is seasonal work for the summer and winter programs to apply for. Spreading the word and letting people know what the NAC is doing is key to getting more people involved, more volunteers, more donations, more fundraising, and also raising awareness, according to Ford. “We support 5,000 to 6,000 unique individuals on an annual basis. Yet, one in four or 25% of Americans have a qualified disability. Let’s call that 40 million people in America. We have a lot to do, and it comes down to awareness,” Ford said.
The NAC is turning 40 years old this fall, which is an exciting milestone for any organization. Ford said that the foundation is really solid, and the buildings, facilities, and campuses are remarkable and world-renowned. “Now that our foundation is set, it’s time to build on top of it,” Ford said. For the next 40 years, the NAC’s objective will be to provide great experiences for people with disabilities with outdoor activities that will give them confidence and inspiration and empower them to know they can do anything. The positive ripple effects of these attributes and other elements in their life are huge, and that is what Ford wants to focus on looking forward. “What we’ve done over the last 40 years has been remarkable, but what we are going to do in the next 40 years is more of it, but on a different scale,” Ford said.
Ford is culturally and professionally a great fit to lead the NAC into the next 40 years. He feels comfortable in the outdoors, his love for the mountains, and his passion for skiing are just some of the things that make him the right choice for the job. He is an accomplished ski racer, competing in the Slalom and Giant Slalom events in college, a 2-time NCAA All-American Ski Racer, and a 3-time Academic All-American at the University of New Hampshire, where he studied Communication and Business. He also has three sisters. One was an Olympian, one was an all-American, and another was a Division I lacrosse player. Sports and outdoor recreation, and especially making a difference in people’s lives, are focal points of his life. “I didn’t come from a completely different industry just because I thought this was a good job. This is something that has been on my mind for a long time,” Ford said.
For additional 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/.
