The Challenged Athletes Foundation announced the hire of Ken Wheatley as its new CEO.

The San Diego-based organization provides opportunities and support to people with physical challenges, so they can pursue active lifestyles through physical fitness and competitive athletics. CAF believes that involvement in sports at any level increases self-esteem, encourages independence and enhances quality of life.

During the last eight months of serving as CAF’s interim CEO, CAF Board of Directors member Bill Geppert provided the leadership, knowledge and commitment to execute CAF’s strategic goals to further help challenged athletes worldwide, while spearheading the search for CAF’s permanent CEO.

“It was a privilege to have led such a wonderful organization, and I am grateful to the CAF Board of Directors and staff for allowing me the opportunity,” said CAF Interim CEO Bill Geppert. “I am excited to pass the baton to such an accomplished professional who will lead CAF into a bright future.”

Ken Wheatley joins the CAF team after holding numerous leadership roles. He retired as a Senior Vice President with Sony Electronics after a 24-year career, and prior to that he was an FBI Special Agent. He’s a 1995 LEAD San Diego graduate and has served on a number of Boards and international advisory groups, such as the Red Cross, the Boys and Girls Club, Chairman and President of the Mid-County Transportation Management Association, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, International Organization of Standards in Geneva, the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington DC, and President of the International Security Management Association. Most recently, he served for four years, as the Co-Director for the California Chapter of the Washington DC-based Lung Cancer Alliance nonprofit.