The National Ability Center (NAC), a leading nonprofit dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities through adaptive recreation and outdoor adventure, announced key updates to its Board of Directors and staff leadership. Together, these moves reinforce the organization’s commitment to scaling its impact as it embarks on a 10-year strategic plan designed to bring life-changing experiences to more people with disabilities across Utah and nationwide.
Board member Ira Hammerman, whose journey with the NAC began as a dedicated volunteer, has been named as the Chair of the Board of Directors. Hammerman, now Managing Director at Bates Group LLC and former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of SIFMA (the leading trade association for the financial services industry), brings extensive governance, legal, and industry leadership to the role. As Chair, he will partner closely with NAC leadership to guide execution of the strategic plan and champion NAC’s mission through fundraising and community engagement.
“As Board Chair of the National Ability Center, I’m committed to advancing our mission, ensuring people with disabilities have the access, support and opportunities to experience recreational adventures and activities without limits,” said Hammerman. “I’m excited to collaborate with my fellow board members and the dedicated staff of the National Ability Center to expand the reach and impact of our exceptional programming.”
Joining the Board is Scott Rutherford, Senior Partner at McKinsey & Company and leader of the firm’s Washington, DC office. A longtime NAC supporter whose daughters volunteer with the organization, Rutherford brings deep expertise in strategy and organizational transformation.
On the staff side, the NAC has welcomed Mike Schultz as Chief Operating Officer. An experienced operations leader, Schultz has held senior roles at companies including Black Diamond Equipment and Purple Innovation. He is recognized for building strong teams and driving operational efficiency. In addition, Mary Flinn-Ware has been named Senior Manager of Equestrian Programs. A longtime NAC volunteer and former leader of Park City Mountain Resort’s ski and snowboard school, Flinn-Ware brings deep community ties and adaptive instruction expertise to one of NAC’s most beloved year-round programs.
“These appointments underscore our belief that people are our greatest asset,” said Willie Ford, CEO of the National Ability Center. “As we set out on our 10-year plan, we’re investing in leadership that can help us optimize capacity, expand nationally, and broaden access to outdoor adventure for individuals, families, and veterans with disabilities. As we welcome new board and staff members, we express deep gratitude for the contributions of outgoing board leaders Francesca Luthi, Rob Hauben and David Been, whose commitment shaped the NAC into the strong, resilient organization it is today.”
The NAC’s 10-year strategic plan calls for expanded year-round programming, innovations in adaptive equipment and instruction, and broader access to both on-campus and community-based programs. With fresh leadership at the board and executive levels, the organization is poised to scale its proven model of adaptive recreation and community to extend its impact to significant new participants in the coming decade .
For more information, visit discovernac.org.
About the National Ability Center
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, UT for nearly 40 years, with a satellite location in Moab, the NAC empowers over 5,500 competitive athletes, children, active-duty, veterans and others yearly. Through on-campus and community-based programming, with individual and group activities, participants build self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills. The NAC hosts over 30,000 experiences and lessons each year including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. In 2023, the 9,400 square foot McGrath Mountain Center opened to serve the NAC’s adaptive ski and snowboard programs, 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. For more information about the National Ability Center, visit nationalabilitycenter.org. For a secure and simple way to donate to the NAC, text ABILITY to 512-920-5521 or visit discovernac.org/donate/.