Challenged Athletes Foundation Announces Ken Wheatley as CEO

SAN DIEGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) has announced the hire of Ken
Wheatley as its new CEO, effective immediately.

The San Diego-based organization provides opportunities and support to
people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles
through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that
involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages
independence and enhances quality of life.

During the last eight months of serving as CAF’s interim CEO, CAF Board
of Directors member Bill Geppert provided the leadership, knowledge and
commitment to execute CAF’s strategic goals to further help challenged
athletes worldwide, while spearheading the search for CAF’s permanent
CEO.

“It was a privilege to have led such a wonderful organization, and I am
grateful to the CAF Board of Directors and staff for allowing me the
opportunity,” said CAF Interim CEO Bill Geppert. “I am excited to pass
the baton to such an accomplished professional who will lead CAF into a
bright future.”

Ken Wheatley joins the CAF team after holding numerous leadership roles.
He retired as a Senior Vice President with Sony Electronics after a
24-year career, and prior to that he was an FBI Special Agent. He’s a
1995 LEAD San Diego graduate and has served on a number of Boards and
international advisory groups, such as the Red Cross, the Boys and Girls
Club, Chairman and President of the Mid-County Transportation Management
Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border
Protection, International Organization of Standards in Geneva, the
Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC, and
President of the International Security Management Association. Most
recently, he served for four years, as the Co-Director for the
California Chapter of the Washington DC-based Lung Cancer Alliance
nonprofit.

Wheatley graduated Summa Cum Laude with his Master’s degree from Webster
University and received his undergraduate degree from Florida
International University. He’s also attended senior executive education
programs with the Harvard JFK School of Government, University of
Michigan Business School, and Kellogg School of Management at
Northwestern University.

“I’m excited and deeply appreciative for the opportunity to join an
organization that is positively changing the lives of thousands of
people around the world,” said CAF CEO Ken Wheatley. “CAF has a great
history, and I look forward to continue to support and execute its
mission to help get individuals with physical challenges back into the
game of life through sports and physical fitness.”

About the Challenged Athletes Foundation

The Challenged Athletes Foundation® (CAF) is a world leader in
helping people with physical challenges lead active, healthy
lifestyles. CAF believes that participation in physical activity at any
level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances
quality of life. Since 1994, more than $76 million has been
raised and over 13,000 funding requests from people with physical
challenges in all 50 states and dozens of countries have been satisfied.
Additionally, CAF’s outreach efforts reach another 60,000 individuals
each year. Whether it’s a $2,500 grant for a handcycle, helping
underwrite a carbon fiber running foot not covered by insurance, or
arranging enthusiastic encouragement from a mentor who has triumphed
over a similar challenge, CAF’s mission is clear: give opportunities and
support to those with the desire to live active, athletic lifestyles To
learn more, visit challengedathletes.org
or call 858-866-0959.

Contacts

Challenged Athletes Foundation
Carlos Escaba, 858-210-3514
carlos@challengedathletes.org