Tom Whittaker

Tom Whittaker revolutionized perceptions when, as an amputee, he successfully climbed Mount Everest, establishing a pioneering achievement as the first person with a disability to accomplish this feat.

After surviving a car accident on Thanksgiving Day in 1979, which resulted in severe injuries to both of his legs and led to the amputation of his right foot, Whittaker's life was irrevocably altered. However, his adventurous spirit was undeterred, and in 1998, he made history by ascending Mount Everest, becoming the first disabled climber to do so.

In recognition of his contributions to mountaineering and his service to people with disabilities, Whittaker was honored in 2006 with an induction into "The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" and received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

With over three decades of expertise in areas such as teamwork, leadership, and motivation, Whittaker is highly regarded as an educator and authority on human achievement. He holds two Master's Degrees from Idaho State University's College of Education and has engaged in Doctoral studies at Colorado State University in the School of Human Resources.

Currently, Whittaker is the Executive Director of the Call to Duty Foundation, which focuses on aiding the reintegration of service members from Iraq and Afghanistan into civilian life. He resides in the mountains of Arizona, where he is raising his two young daughters.