Internationally recognized accessibility and innovation leader to guide the next era of global disability empowerment.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2025 – Rockville, VA – Billion Strong, the global identity, empowerment, and innovation movement for the disability community, is proud to announce Steve Tyler as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Steve Tyler, while continuing his impactful full-time role at Leonard Cheshire, has graciously taken on the position of CEO at Billion Strong in a volunteer capacity. This role allows him to help our community convene, knowing how critical it is, and to contribute his extensive expertise and passion for inclusion without any conflict of interest with his current responsibilities.

Steve brings over 30 years of global leadership in accessibility, assistive technology, and inclusive innovation. At Leonard Cheshire, he has led pioneering work in accessible tech, digital inclusion, and policy development across sectors including education, employment, publishing, and transport. He has partnered with leading tech companies, advised governments, and helped shape major accessibility standards across the UK and Europe.

Tyler succeeds Dr. LaMondré Pough, who led Billion Strong through its foundational years and shaped its mission of global advocacy and empowerment. While stepping down as CEO, LaMondré will continue to contribute as a featured Coach and Trainer through his work with LaMondre Pough Unlimited.

In announcing his transition, Dr. Pough expressed confidence in Tyler’s leadership, stating, “I leave the organization in the exceptionally capable hands of Steve Tyler, a powerful leader who has a proven track record of advancing global disability inclusion through hands-on, world-changing initiatives. I have full confidence in his leadership and vision for what’s next.”

“Steve’s leadership has transformed how people with disabilities access opportunity,” said Founder Debra Ruh. “His extensive experience aligns perfectly with our ambition. With Steve stepping in as CEO, and LaMondré continuing as our featured coach Billion Strong is ready to scale its impact, amplify our voices, and strengthen our global movement.”

“Billion Strong was built to convene, uplift, and connect our community worldwide,” said Steve Tyler. “We’re not just a movement, we’re also a convener and a think tank, helping shape the future of inclusion. And we need that now more than ever, especially as DEI and accessibility are under increasing pressure globally. Our community deserves visibility, pride, and collective power; and I’m honored to help lead that effort.”

Tyler will lead Billion Strong’s continued expansion of global partnerships, strengthen its innovative digital and community initiatives, and amplify the powerful stories of disability empowerment that define the organization’s impact.

About Billion Strong

Billion Strong is a global identity and empowerment movement  and a convener and think tank led by and for people with disabilities. Through innovation, advocacy, training, and collaboration, we elevate the voice, strength, and pride of over one billion people with disabilities around the world.

Media Contact:
press@billion-strong.org
www.billion-strong.org

#WeAreBillionStrong