The Amputee Coalition named John F. Register as its new interim president and CEO effective immediately. He will serve in the roles until a permanent replacement is named. Register was appointed by the board after the former president and CEO, Mary Richards, stepped down on June 15.
As the acting president and CEO, Register will lead the organization to convene its 2022 National Conference and Youth Camp, strengthen staff capacity, and deepen relationships with community members and partners. Register joined the Amputee Coalition board of directors in January 2018, bringing his personal experiences living with limb loss and a passion for empowering the community to share their stories and enhance perception, policy, and passion.
He is a Gulf War Army veteran, a four-time track and field All-American and a two-time Olympic trials qualifier. After amputation of his left leg, he won the long jump silver medal at the Paralympic Games in Sydney, Australia, in 2000. He has appeared on national television, counseled US Secretaries of State on Disability Foreign Policy and is a public speaker and coach. He founded the United States Olympic Committee’s Paralympic Military Sports Program helping wounded, ill, and injured service members use sport as a tool for their rehabilitation and is associate director of the US Paralympics. He also hosts a blog talk radio show, “Life’s New Normal,” where listeners are introduced to and interact with guests who have overcome a life challenge.
“John Register has served on the board and is an advocate for those with limb loss and limb difference. An amputee, he is a man of resiliency and passion. He is committed to advancing the organization through this transition period. He is the perfect choice to usher in our next phase of the Amputee Coalition,” said Lorraine Riche, board chair for the Amputee Coalition.
Richards wished Register well in his new leadership role during her final remarks. “After three years serving this community, I’ve made the hard decision to step down as president and CEO of the Amputee Coalition. I’m incredibly proud of the work this team has done to modernize the organization, reach people when they need us most, enact new legislation for the community, and better serve the diverse range of people who experience limb loss or limb difference. The organization is ready for its next chapter, and I am looking forward to taking some time off before moving on to mine. I wish the new leadership and the team the best of luck in building on the work we’ve accomplished together,” Richards said.
