Jim Barone Email and Phone Number

As the only senior United States Air Force executive with a significant physical disability at the time (I walked with the help of leg braces and crutches as a result of paralytic polio suffered as a child), I was often asked to share my motivational story at national and local conferences, business meetings, graduation ceremonies, other Air Force bases, and disability recognition events. I spoke of my story and the "Keys to Success" in a light-hearted and humorous manner to inspire audiences and to convey the message that success is personal and within the grasp of anyone in spite of their disabilities. I emphasized such personal characteristics as honesty, integrity, empathy, imagination, creativity, communication, getting the job done and done well, encouraging others, determination, leadership, and commitment among other attributes; and, that these attributes are the keys to success, not arms or legs, or eyes or ears.

Former board member and past chairman of the SourceAmerica Board of Directors (formerly NISH). SourceAmerica provides employment opportunities for people with significant disabilities through the AbilityOne Program and a nationwide network of about 550 community-based nonprofit agencies. Served as Secretary, Treasurer, Vice Chair, Chair, and Immediate Past Chair of SourceAmerica during 12 tenure on the board of directors. Significantly improved governance practices, resolved customer issues with the United States Air Force and other federal customers, re-oriented the board into a more proper board-staff relationship.

Retired in 2004 after 32 years of civilian service including 19 years as a member of the Senior Executive Service.-Recognized as the Air Force Civilian Contracting Officer of the Year 1979.-Promoted to the Senior Executive Service as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Contracting and Manufacturing, HQs Air Force Logistics Command, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH. -Executive leadership roles within the Sacramento Air Logistics Center 1989-2001 including Director of Contracting, Director of Financial Management, and Executive Director. -In April 2000 appointed as first civilian to serve as Director with overall responsibility for an Air Logistics Center. In this capacity, oversaw one of the largest base closures in the history of the Air Force. -Director of Personnel, HQs Air Force Materiel Command, Wright Patterson AFB, OH responsible for over 80,000 military and civilian personnel. -Exceptional Civilian Service Award, the Air Force Outstanding Career Service Award, three Presidential Meritorious Executive Rank Awards, and the Presidential Distinguished Executive Rank Award.