Speaking on behalf of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association President Mark X. Odum stated, "It is with great honor and privilege I introduce this distinguished leader, not only a leader within the disability community but of the business community as well, to the members and friends of the Association." Odum continued, "This appointment has given the Association the strength and leadership it needs as we move into a new era for people with spinal cord injuries. Between the Immediate Past President, the new Executive Director, and myself, NSCIA now has their three top leaders with more than 80 years experience living with quadriplegia due to spinal cord trauma."

Mr. Countee, a native Washingtonian and retired executive from the Maryland National Capital Area Parks and Planning Commission accepted the position and said, "It's a pleasure to team up with NSCIA. I am excited about becoming part of this organization's role in helping everyone who's life has been touched by a spinal cord injury."

After his sophomore year as an undergraduate at Harvard University, Countee broke his neck in a diving incident almost 40 years ago. He returned to school after his injury to complete an undergraduate degree at American University, continued his studies and received his law degree from Georgetown University, and went on to earn his MBA degree From Harvard School of Business. Countee's vast accomplishments. most of which were realized while being a wheelchair user, are constant reminders that a physical confinement such as paralysis does not equate to personal confinement.

Mr. Countee's professional history, coupled with his personal experience, will enable him to serve effectively. Though his experience as an attorney, chief executive officer, and financial consultant, Countee's expertise will be a valuable asset to this non-profit organization. On a personal level, he is able to relate well to those who are served by NSCIA.

Established in 1948 by the Paralyzed Veterans of America, the Association functions as a resource center for people with a spinal cord injury (all ages), their families, and friends as well as the professionals concerned with paralysis from traumatic injuries and conditions. Approximately 1,200 inquiries for information are handled by NSCIA each month. Information from a wide variety of topics-from choosing a rehabilitation facility for a newly injured person to developments in research for a cure to paralysis-is readily disseminated to anyone striving for "independence and personal fulfillment."

"I look forward to facing the challenges as well as the rewards that will come in serving as NSCIA's Executive Director," said Countee. "It will be an honor to uphold the Association's mission to work together to enable people with SCI to make choices and take actions to achieve their highest level of independence and personal fulfillment."