ROCKVILLE, Md., Sept. 25, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kirk Bauer, JD, Executive Director of Disabled Sports USA (DSUSA) has been named as one of Maryland's 2015 Most Admired CEOs by The Daily Record.
Maryland's Most Admired CEOs awards program recognizes talented business CEOs and nonprofit executive directors throughout Maryland for their leadership and professionalism. The winners are selected based on their leadership and vision; competitiveness and innovation; community leadership and service; financial performance and growth; corporate leadership and board service; and nonprofit involvement. Awardees included CEOs from such companies as Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, Maryland Public Television, and Sheppard Pratt Health System.
As a disabled Vietnam veteran and Executive Director of Disabled Sports USA for over 30 years, Kirk has taken a small, all volunteer organization, and made it the nation's largest sports and recreation organization for physically disabled individuals. DSUSA's 120 chapters in 42 states now offer programs in more than 30 individual and team sports and activities, annually serving more than 60,000 youth, wounded warriors and adults.
For his achievements, Kirk has previously been awarded the Gene Autry Courage Award and selected as a "Healthy American Fitness Leader", an honor presented yearly by the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports. In 2008, he was awarded the "George M. Steinbrenner III Sports Leadership Award" by the U.S. Olympic Committee in recognition of his outstanding contribution to sports. In 2013, Kirk was given the Lifetime Achievement Award by the President's Council on Fitness.
In January, Bauer led a group of wounded veterans from three wars on a climb in Argentina up Aconcagua, which, at nearly 23,000 feet is the highest mountain outside of Asia. He has also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro as part of an all amputee team and rides 100-mile bike rides all as part of DSUSA's Warfighter Sports program for severely injured veterans.
"I'm a firm believer in leadership by example," said Bauer. "I am honored to have received this award for leading an organization that utilizes sports to improve lives. Athletes participating in Disabled Sports USA programs are shown to lead healthier, happier and more productive lives."
While serving in Vietnam as a non-commissioned officer in the 9th Infantry Division, Bauer was awarded 2 Bronze Stars for heroism and the Purple Heart for injuries incurred in combat. Bauer holds a Doctorate of Law Degree from Boston University School of Law.
About Disabled Sports USA
Founded in 1967, Disabled Sports USA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that provides opportunities for individuals with disabilities to develop independence, confidence and fitness through participation in sports. What began as a program to serve Vietnam veterans has since grown into one of the nation's largest multi-sport, multi-disability organizations, annually serving more than 60,000 wounded warriors, youth and adults with disabilities. A member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Disabled Sports USA offers programs in more than 40 summer and winter sports through its nationwide network of more than 100 community-based chapters. For more information, visit www.disabledsportsusa.org.
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