Series of Distinction

As an amputee and childhood bone cancer survivor, Ted has been an active leader in the disability rights and independent living movements nearly his entire life. Since his appointment to the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities under President Ronald Reagan, to his role as immediate past Chair and current Member of the Board of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Ted has fought to expand job opportunities and to advance the economic independence of people with disabilities. He knows that businesses can play a pivotal role in ensuring that people with disabilities have the same rights as everybody else, and how inclusion drives business success.

Ted believes that disability equality and inclusion is the next chapter of responsible capitalism and ESG investing, and he is spearheading the adoption of the Joint Investor Statement on Corporate Disability Inclusion. Signed by over 30 of the world’s largest institutional investors and financial services organizations, this shareholder engagement strategy represents a new, concerted effort in the disability rights movement, recognizing the unique role that companies play in the creation of a more just and equitable society.

Ted is a health care attorney and partner in the law firm Epstein Becker Green, where he advises many of the nation's foremost health care companies on the key legal, regulatory, reimbursement, coverage issues and emerging policy changes facing hospitals, post-acute providers, government and commercial insurance entities, and life sciences companies. From 2015 to 2019, Ted also served as a State Senator in the Connecticut General Assembly.

Interviewer

Catherine Nelson Windmill Lane Advisors LLC Founder and CEO

Catherine Nelson is a senior executive and board director with extensive expertise in strategic advising and corporate governance. With a 30-year career in the finance sector, she currently leads Windmill Lane Advisors LLC and serves on the advisory board of Foundera, a beauty tech startup. Additionally, she serves on the board of two nonprofits: CMMB, which provides affordable medicines and healthcare solutions globally, and the Private Directors Association (PDA).

As an Audit QFE, Catherine leverages her financial acumen and risk management skills to foster positive change and improve collaboration between boards and management. She values self-reflection, balance, truth, and humility, believing that diversity on boards is crucial. A strong advocate for diverse recruitment and inclusive dialogue, Catherine emphasizes the importance of varied perspectives in driving effective governance and better decision-making.

Pre-Read Articles:

• It's Time to Include Disability in All Corporate Diversity Requirements | Opinion
• Allowing disabled persons on the board

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