For Immediate Release
(January 19, 2023, Washington, D.C.) The Amputee Coalition board of directors is pleased to announce Cassandra “Cass” Isidro as the organization’s new CEO and president. After a competitive and rigorous CEO search, the board of directors selected Cass for her many years of experience as an innovative leader who can advance the Amputee Coalition mission to support, educate, and advocate for people impacted by limb loss and limb difference. “I am pleased to welcome Cass to the Amputee Coalition as our new CEO. I firmly believe that her deep expertise, authenticity, and active listening approach to problem-solving will be the key leadership characteristics needed to continue to serve the limb loss and limb difference community,” said Lorraine Riche, board chair. Cass is the former president and executive director of the Safe Routes Partnership, a role she had held since 2015. The Partnership is focused on advancing policy and programs related to walking and biking in the community, employs a staff of 14, and has an annual budget of $2 million. Cass worked with the organization while at her previous role with SHAPE America, and when the Partnership founder was diagnosed with cancer, she was recruited for the executive director role. At SHAPE America, she helped the organization grow by developing new partnerships, ensuring the membership function was meeting its goals, and organizing development activities around events and advocacy. The organization had a budget of $10 million at the time, and Cass managed a team of six. Her professional career includes more than 25 years within the nonprofit sector, with 10 years in education-related associations. She obtained a Master of Business Administration from Hawaii Pacific University and a Bachelor of Science in public health education from Indiana University. “I appreciate the warm welcome I have received from Amputee Coalition’s members and leaders. We have much to accomplish as we grow our reach and increase our services for all who are impacted by limb loss or limb difference. I look forward to connecting deeply and supporting a community that thrives,” Cass said. Cass joins the Amputee Coalition at a pivotal point when the organization recently redefined its vision to become the industry leader dedicated to a world where the limb loss and limb difference community thrives. She will lead the organization’s strategic direction, grow partnerships with key stakeholders, and increase funding opportunities. She will work closely with John Register, who has served as the acting CEO and president for the Amputee Coalition since June 2022 and will reassume his position on the board of directors. John will become the new board chair in Feb. of 2023. “As I transition from my chair role to past chair and hand off my seat to John Register, who has served as acting CEO with vision, strategy, grace, and enthusiasm, it will be wonderful to see all Cass and John will accomplish in the coming year and well beyond,” Lorraine said. John Register is a two-time Paralympian and Paralympic Games Silver medalist, Persian Gulf War Combat veteran, two-time TEDx Motivational Speaker and Certified Speaking Professional (CSP). A highly sought-after keynote speaker, he founded Inspired Communications International and works with business professionals ready to hurdle adversity, amputate fear, and embrace a new normal mindset to win life’s medals. “Seeing the Amputee Coalition through a season that included the return of the community’s annual conference, the Youth Camp, and the strengthening of our continued partnership with the Administration for Community Living (ACL), which provides vital funding for our organization, while building alliances with key community stakeholders, has been a true honor,” John said. “I am excited to work with Cass to reach higher heights for the limb loss and limb difference community.” The leadership changes will be effective Feb. 6. ## Amputee Coalition: The Leading Voice on Limb Loss and Limb Difference The Amputee Coalition is the only national nonprofit that serves all individuals who experience limb loss or limb difference. We are dedicated to ensuring that no one faces limb loss alone. Our mission is to support, educate, and advocate for people impacted by limb loss and limb difference. We work to provide vital resources to people with limb loss and limb difference, as well as their families and caregivers. With these resources, they can recover, readjust, and live the life they most want to live. Learn more at www.amputee-coalition.org.