The Governing Board of the National Council on Independent Living is happy to announce the appointment of Theo Braddy as its new Executive Director beginning February 1, 2023. Theo will follow retiring Interim Executive Director Darrell Lynn Jones.
Theo served as Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Independent Living of Central PA (CILCP) for nearly 31 years, from the beginning of the Center in 1989. He is noted for being one of the first, if not the first of CIL leader to develop and embrace the concept of Living Well with a Disability. Under his leadership, CILCP built a gym and developed resources to support that goal. Theo was instrumental in PA becoming the first state to pass a law establishing an affordable, accessible rural transportation program. He has also played an important role in establishing and expanding Medicaid waiver services in PA.
Theo has also served as an adjunct professor at Millersville University, teaching courses on “Discrimination and Oppression of Persons with Disabilities” and at Temple University, teaching two graduate courses in Social Welfare Policy for graduate students entering the master’s degree program for social work.
Theo has been given numerous awards and recognitions, including being selected by Senator Robert Casey, Jr. as one of four Black leaders in Pennsylvania who have demonstrated power and persistency in overcoming challenge and creating meaningful change in PA. Most recently, he was honored at the Penn State Harrisburg’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Banquet on January 15 as a trailblazer.
Theo’s professional references noted many qualities that they believed make him uniquely qualified to be NCIL’s new leader. One of the most consistent qualities mentioned is that he is a strong visionary, with the ability to see new possibilities and opportunities.
The NCIL Board has set up a process to ensure a smooth and successful transition to new leadership.
Theo, I am not at all surprised that they have chosen you to be the Executive Director of the National Council of independent Living. During the 30 plus years that you and I have worked together, you were always at least two steps ahead of the status quo. Your mind never rested. I am proud of your accomplishment. I wonder what you will do next.
Go Theo!!!!!!
Congratulations Theo! Arkansas SILC and its Board of Directors are excited that you have joined the ranks. As a black woman in a leadership position in IL, I am thrilled to be at the table with you!