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Photographer: Robert Presutti

George has lived with a spinal cord injury since 1992. After years of coming to grips with his disability, he pursued Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor Certifications. He earned a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership following an undergraduate degree in Organizational Management. George also earned Professional Certification in Not-for-Profit Management.

George is the founder and CEO of Wheels of Progress, an organization that creates permanent, accessible, supportive housing, and transformative environments for people living with physical disabilities who are currently residing in nursing homes or are at risk of going to a nursing home. He was the president of the NY Chapter of the National Spinal Cord Injury Association from 2009-2012 and is currently on the Board of Directors. In 2013, he received the prestigious Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award in Washington, D.C. This award honors outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the broader disability community.

George has been a world-class athlete competing in triathlons around the world and he mentors young persons with SCI.