Teton Adaptive is excited to have hired Joe Stone as its new Director of Mission, effective immediately.
Stone brings a decade of experience as a motivational speaker traveling throughout the country providing keynote and educational presentations for businesses, organizations, large scale events and schools and universities. In 2013, he founded The Joe Stone Foundation with the mission to help bridge the gap between people with and without disabilities through outdoor recreation. He volunteers as a peer mentor and engages in outdoor activities with people of all abilities.
In his roles prior to joining Teton Adaptive, Stone gained a following as an advocate for people with disabilities, especially in the outdoor recreation field, traveling several times to Washington DC as a proponent of equality.
Christy Fox, executive director of Teton Adaptive, said “We’re beyond thrilled that Joe moved to Jackson Hole and we had the opportunity to bring him on board. His depth of experience, knowledge and passion for getting everyBODY outside and moving will complement our team of inclusion superheroes.”
“Joe connects deeply with all the audiences Teton Adaptive serves and I’m confident that he will play a huge part in refining and guiding Teton Adaptive’s mission to increase recreational opportunities. This will enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities and their families and friends,” added Board Chair Ryan McDonald.
As the Director of Mission of Teton Adaptive, Stone will guide its mission to promote, support and develop outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities living in and visiting the Greater Teton Area. He will act as the face of non-profit organization to the community, the population it serves and beyond to inspire others to push the boundaries of perceived limitations to live rich and fulfilling lives, regardless of their physical and mental abilities. His direct experience will help Teton Adaptive serve more people as he leads partnership building and the development of its newest program Adaptive Approved.
Stone’s experience as an award-winning filmmaker, speaker and adventurer will also help bring his positive messages and adaptive sports to light in clear and engaging ways, such as short films and inspiring public talks.
About Joe Stone:
On August 13, 2010, Joe Stone nearly died after crashing into a mountain at almost 50 MPH near Missoula, Mont. while speed flying, a form paragliding. The accident left him with a permanent spinal cord injury at the C7 level, rendering him an incomplete quadriplegic, meaning he is paralyzed from the chest down and has impairment in both his hands.
The Joe Stone Foundation, which he founded seven years ago with Kevin May, will be dissolved and its remaining contributions graciously donated to Teton Adaptive.
Through his public appearances and his work with the foundation, Stone has gained significant national and international exposure including:
• A feature length documentary, It’s Raining, So What The Story of Joe Stone, 2015,
• ABC Television Series guest appearances on Rock the Park Season 2, 4, and 6,
• Outside Magazine Podcast: Science of Survival, 2017,
• HBO Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel Paragliding in Utah episode 2018,
• and was featured in the documentary Above the Ground.
About Teton Adaptive Sports:
Starting in 2005 TAS supported adaptive sports in Teton County, Wyo. and Teton County, Idaho by purchasing and sharing specialized equipment, sending passionate instructors to adaptive training and subsidizing the cost of outdoor sports.
TAS facilitates year round programming in climbing, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, paddling, alpine and cross country skiing and ice skating/sled hockey with a staff committed to improving the quality of life for local athletes with disabilities and those visiting the area. Teton Adaptive is committed to employing and staffing leadership roles with people who live with disabilities.
