Nuka Solomon Promoted to Chief Executive Officer

Nuka Solomon has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of Free Wheelchair Mission (FWM), a world leader in mobility solutions for people with disabilities in under-resourced nations. Solomon has been Executive Director for the last two years.

Solomon’s promotion more clearly defines senior leadership positions in the Irvine-based humanitarian nonprofit. Founder and President Don Schoendorfer, Ph.D., will continue working closely with Solomon, but with a keen focus on strategic donor relationships and further improvements in wheelchair development. Solomon will continue her previous role of managing the five key departments: finance and administration, programs, product management, development and marketing.

“This step recognizes Nuka’s significant contribution to Free Wheelchair Mission over the past two years,” commented Stuart Rattray, chairman of the FWM board. “Since Nuka was appointed, she has improved the structure, effectiveness, reporting and visibility of our operations and our team.”

Free Wheelchair Mission reached a momentous milestone in the summer of 2017 -- providing more than one million wheelchairs in 93 countries, at no cost to recipients that typically are individuals living with disabilities who cannot afford to buy a wheelchair. The gift of mobility completely changes their lives, allowing them to work, attend school, and enjoy being part of their family and community.

Now, the leadership team, the staff and volunteers all are focused on the next ambitious goal – distributing the second million wheelchairs by 2025, half the time it took to reach the first million.