Willie W Ford

Willie W Ford is a dynamic leader with extensive experience across the private sector, startups, and nonprofit organizations. As the CEO of the National Ability Center (NAC), he oversees one of the most recognized nonprofits in the disability space, providing adaptive recreation and outdoor experiences to individuals of all abilities. NAC operates across three properties, serving thousands annually, supported by program revenue, endowments, grants, corporate partnerships, and individual donors. Willie is focused on expanding NAC’s reach, innovation, and long-term impact.

Prior to leading NAC, Willie was a co-founder and executive at Givego, a venture-backed technology company enhancing customer engagement for top global brands. He also played a pivotal role in Cake, an electric motorcycle brand, where he led North American expansion and global strategy. Earlier, he served as President of POC North America, helping build the brand into the fastest-growing company in the outdoor industry. He was instrumental in the sale of POC from Clarus (Nasdaq: CLAR) to Investcorp, overseeing the transition and strategic growth.
Willie brings deep expertise in P&L management, strategic growth, brand building, and operational leadership, with a passion for purpose-driven work. He has advised multiple venture-backed startups and has served on numerous nonprofit boards. A former NCAA All-American ski racer and Sporting Goods Business 40 Under 40 honoree, Willie believes in the power of leadership to drive meaningful impact.

Above all, family comes first—he and his wife, Caroline, are raising their two young sons, Walker and Winston, where they embrace the outdoors through skiing, biking, and exploring. Their four-year-old Aussie Collie, Rudy, ensures there’s never a dull moment at home.