John D. Kemp, Esq. (he/him), is a leader widely respected for his many achievements in the corporate and nonprofit world, as well as his leadership in the disability movement. John, a person with a disability, co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities. He currently serves as President and CEO of Lakeshore Foundation, an internationally recognized organization providing opportunities for individuals with physical disability to lead healthy, active lives through physical activity, sports, research, and advocacy. In addition, John chairs Delta Air Lines’ Advisory Board on Disability and serves on numerous boards.
Among his many honors, two of the most meaningful to John are the Henry B. Betts Award, regarded as America’s highest honor for disability leadership and service, and the Dole Leadership Prize. The Dole award’s recipients include Nelson Mandela and two former U.S. Presidents.
A renowned global speaker, John inspires others to achieve greatness through knowledge, experience, vision, and persistence. His latest book, Disability Friendly: How to Move from Clueless to Inclusive, is a clarion call to businesses around the world to realize the opportunities presented by employing people with disabilities. It explains the potential of disabled employees and how to create a culture of inclusion and, in the process, help people with disabilities become proud contributors.
John is a graduate of Georgetown University and Washburn University School of Law. He and his wife, Sameta, enjoy spending time with their family, including five grandsons.
