Keynote Speaker: Thomas Panek

Thomas A. Panek is President and Chief Executive Officer of Lighthouse Guild, the leading organization dedicated to providing exceptional services that inspire people who are visually impaired to attain their goals. A trailblazer in accessibility innovation, Mr. Panek brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to advancing accessibility and independence for people with vision loss. 

Mr. Panek’s career spans leadership roles in both nonprofit and governmental sectors. Before joining Lighthouse Guild, he served as President and CEO of Guiding Eyes for the Blind, a nonprofit organization that provides specially trained guide and service dogs to individuals with disabilities throughout the U.S. and Canada. He previously served as Vice President of National Industries for the Blind, where he played a pivotal role in business development, national account management, and the Wounded Warrior Program. Additionally, he served as a Senior International Trade Specialist at the U.S. Department of Commerce. 

Beyond his executive experience, Mr. Panek actively serves in various advisory and leadership capacities, including as Chair of Delta Air Lines Advisory Board on Disability and a board member of Achilles International. He has served as an expert on the CDC’s Vision Health Initiative and Chair of the North American Council of Guide Dog Schools.

Mr. Panek holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in International Studies from The American University in Washington, D.C.