AAPD
Written by Helena Berger
Former CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities
The American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) was founded on the fifth anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), July 26, 1995. AAPD was created to increase the political and economic power of all disabled Americans. With that mission, who better to chair the board of directors than Tony Coelho.
Tony became board chair during AAPD’s formative years. Like so many young non-profits, fundraising was challenging. Without hesitation, Tony contacted many of his corporate friends and urged them to support AAPD. During Tony’s tenure, the funds raised for the AAPD Leadership Awards Gala surpassed previous award dinners. This not only provided AAPD with needed financial resources, but created lasting relationships in the corporate community that helped propel the organization’s growth.
These donors initially supported AAPD because they trusted Tony’s
judgement. Having Tony as board chair enhanced AAPD’s credibility tenfold. How could you lose when you have the former House Majority Whip, primary author of the ADA, disability-rights leader and icon, and successful businessperson. Tony opened doors for AAPD in both the public and private sectors, increasing our access to leaders on Capitol Hill and in the business community. This access was critical in pursuit of our mission to increase the political and economic power of all disabled Americans.
Tony is one of the best strategists I know. On many occasions the staff sought his counsel. Tony has this incredible ability to convert negative situations into positive outcomes with his shrewd tactics, clever messaging and, of course, optimism. This not only served AAPD well, but were invaluable professional development lessons for the staff.
During Tony’s term as board chair, he guided AAPD through the search process for a new president & CEO. Leadership-change can be challenging for an organization. You need to allay the concerns of staff, donors, partners, and allies. Once again, Tony stepped up to the plate and AAPD conducted an organized and timely search. His confidence in the process and candidate selection helped quell concerns about AAPD’s future.
Tony’s dedication and commitment to AAPD were always evident. I knew I could get a call from Tony anytime during the workweek or weekend with an idea, question, or task. And I did! It was his unwavering dedication, unbridled passion, and relentless perseverance that made him such an effective board chair, leader, and champion of AAPD.
Tony led AAPD during a critical time in our organizational development. His leadership was foundational to the success AAPD has since achieved. Tony’s impact and legacy at AAPD will endure, especially through programs like the NBCUniversal Tony Coelho Media Scholarship. Just one accomplishment of so many that is indicative of Tony’s leadership -- influence others to advance the rights, opportunities, and inclusion of every disabled American.
Former House Speaker John Boehner famously said, “A leader without followers is simply a man taking a walk.” Be it AAPD’s board chair or numerous other efforts, Tony Coelho is never simply a man taking a walk.