The Permobil Foundation has elected a new board chair and new board members.
In a July 29 press release, the foundation said John Richards, vice president of strategic alliances & sales operations, Permobil Americas, would become the new board chair starting Aug. 5.
“With more than 26 years at Permobil, John has dedicated his career to serving individuals with disabilities — always leading with heart and keeping our end users at the center of every decision,” a foundation social media post said. “He has served as our board treasurer for the past three years, and we are thrilled to welcome him into this new leadership role.”
Richard replaces Chuck Witkowski, the outgoing foundation board chair and current CEO of Permobil. With Witkowski as board chair, the foundation raised more than $4 million to help people with disabilities. The foundation also donated mobility equipment to more than 4,500 people while supporting more than 500 nonprofit partners.
“I can’t think of a better person to carry the mission forward,” Witkowski said in the announcement. “John’s experience, passion and connection to the people we serve will continue to drive meaningful impact for years to come.”
“John is the kind of leader who goes above and beyond to support others,” said Ashley Davis, who has been the Permobil Foundation’s executive director since 2016. “He leads with his heart, puts people first, and has always kept the needs of our end users at the core of everything he does. We are thrilled to have him lead the foundation’s next chapter.”
Richards is joined by new executive board members Todd Walling, treasurer, Permobil senior vice president of sales; and Amy Burnett, secretary, a former wheelchair tennis player whom Team USA calls a “wheelchair badminton pioneer.”
Also joining the Permobil Foundation board are David Almacy, president/CEO of Far Post Media, and Aaron Baker, founder of Adversity Into Adventure Foundation.
“I am deeply honored to accept the role of board chair for the Permobil Foundation,” Richard said. “For the past 26 years, I have had the privilege of working alongside my colleagues at Permobil to advance the vision of our founder, Dr. Per Udden. Dr. Udden established Permobil on the belief that every individual has the right to have their disability compensated to the greatest extent possible, using the same technical standards that shape our daily lives. The Permobil Foundation plays a vital role in carrying that vision forward, serving as a powerful reminder of the profound impact our work has on the lives of those who rely on our technology every day.”
