PHIL PANGRAZIO,  Executive Director
philp@abil.org

Phil Pangrazio is the Executive Director of the Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), one of the largest Center’s for Independent Living in the United States with an annual budget exceeding $30 Million. Pangrazio oversees a wide array of programs designed to empower people with disabilities to achieve or maintain independent lifestyles within the community. Under Pangrazio’s leadership, ABIL has experienced seven consecutive years of growth and success. ABIL’s expansion of its personal assistant services program and the additions of both SSA Work Incentives Planning and Assistance, Ticket-to-Work Employment, Youth Transition Services, and Arizona Disability Vote Project are just a few of his achievements. He also launched a comprehensive marketing and public relations campaign that has heightened ABIL’s visibility with donors, volunteers, government officials and the community at large. Pangrazio is currently directing the construction of a disability services campus that will become shared office space for ABIL and 10 other agencies devoted to serving persons with disabilities in Arizona. Pangrazio is also spearheading a fundraising effort to raise $10.2 million to build Maricopa County's first sports & fitness center for the disability community.

Prior to his post with ABIL, Pangrazio, 47 was employed for 10 years at Maricopa Integrated Health System and Maricopa Medical Center where he held several positions in hospital financial management and administration. Mr. Pangrazio also served on ABIL’s Board of Directors from 1992 to 2000, and presided as Chairman of the Board for four of those years. He presently serves on the Board of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). Pangrazio, a quadriplegic and wheelchair user for over 26 years, is a knowledgeable source on an array of topics pertaining to the disability community and independent living philosophy.

Pangrazio earned a master’s degree in Health Services Administration and Policy from Arizona State University. He served on the Accessibility Committees of the America West Arena and the Bank One Ball Park. Pangrazio has authored editorial and commentary pieces on a wide variety of disability related subjects and has been a frequent contributor to the monthly Paraplegia News magazine. Pangrazio has also been interviewed on a wide variety of topics for print, broadcast and online media services. Pangrazio was a founding member of the quadriplegic wheelchair rugby team in the state of Arizona. His memberships have included Healthcare Administrators Forum of Arizona (HAF) and Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA). He is a current member of the Organization for Non-Profit Executives (ONE). He is a former member and president of Speaking First Toastmasters, of Tempe. Mr. Pangrazio is married and resides in Ahwatukee.