Congratulations to neba Board President David Hoff on National Innovation Award

David Hoff, third from left, holds an award in front of an APSE banner. The APSE leaders from left, Brit Miles, APSE National Board, Julie Christenson, APSE's Executive Director, and Kie O'Donnell, APSE National Board.

Everyone at neba is proud to congratulate our Board President, David Hoff, on receiving the prestigious Dave Hammis Innovation Award at the APSE National Conference.

The Dave Hammis Innovation Award recognizes individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional creativity and leadership in advancing customized employment, assistive technology, or self-employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities. It is one of the field’s highest honors, celebrating those whose work has transformed employment opportunities and expanded possibilities for people with disabilities.

David’s career has been dedicated to one simple but powerful belief: people with disabilities belong in the workforce and in their communities. Throughout his work with the Institute for Community Inclusion, he has helped advance customized employment by encouraging service providers and state agencies to move beyond traditional job placement and focus instead on each person’s unique strengths, interests, and goals. That work has helped create meaningful, lasting employment opportunities for countless individuals.

At neba, we’ve had the privilege of benefiting from David’s leadership for more than 20 years. As President of our Board of Directors, he has provided thoughtful guidance, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to our mission. His leadership has helped shape our organization as we continue expanding opportunities for people with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment, greater independence, and fuller participation in their communities.

Jeannine Pavlak, CEO of neba, has worked alongside David for many years and has seen firsthand the impact of his leadership.
“Long before customized employment became widely recognized, David was helping people see what was possible. His leadership has never been about recognition—it has always been about creating opportunities for others. Having someone with his experience and passion guiding neba for more than two decades has made us a stronger organization and helped shape the work we do every day. On behalf of everyone at neba, congratulations, David.”

What makes this recognition especially meaningful to us is how closely David’s life’s work reflects the values that guide neba every day. We believe employment should be person-centered. We believe every individual has strengths that employers need. And we believe that inclusive workplaces build stronger communities for everyone.

David’s national recognition is a reminder that meaningful change is driven by leaders who believe in people’s potential. For more than 20 years, neba has been fortunate to benefit from David Hoff’s experience, vision, and commitment to inclusive employment. His leadership has helped shape not only our organization, but also the opportunities available to the individuals and families we serve every day.
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Congratulations, David, on this well-deserved honor. Thank you for your leadership, your partnership, and your enduring commitment to building communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.