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At Disability Lead, we believe that leadership by disabled people is essential to building inclusive, just, and equitable communities. Since our founding, we have been committed to developing and connecting disabled leaders to positions of power and influence — because representation matters and leadership drives change.
As we continue to grow and evolve, we are excited to share a significant milestone in our journey. Effective June 1, 2025, Emily Blum, who has led Disability Lead with vision and purpose since 2019, has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). This title change from Executive Director to CEO reflects our strategic commitment to scale our impact, deepen our influence, and align with industry standards as we expand nationally.
“This realignment is both a reflection of Emily’s exceptional contributions and a strategic move to better equip the organization for the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Chad Turner, Board Chair.
Emily’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing our mission and positioning Disability Lead for long-term success.
“In 2019, I stepped into the role of a lifetime as Executive Director of what was then a newly launched independent non-profit,” said Emily Blum, CEO. “More than five years later, the organization has grown so much, and so have I. I'm so proud of the ways in which we have sustainably expanded Disability Lead — from the development of our team to the growth of our Membership and impact in Chicago. And, of course, our expansion into new markets like Southwestern Pennsylvania. We are truly a national disability organization. My new title is but a small reflection of the tremendous growth we've experienced since our launch.”
As the only program of its kind in the United States, we recognize the urgent need to expand our model. By 2040 — the 50th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act — we aim to establish Disability Lead programs in at least 10 regions across the country.
Our approach to growth is intentional and locally led. When disabled people are in positions of power and influence, outcomes improve — not just for disabled communities but for society as a whole. Disability Lead challenges conventional and harmful narratives about disabled leadership. Our work is rooted in the belief that systemic change requires disabled leaders at every level and in every sector.
We are building a future where disabled leadership is not the exception but the expectation.