About Us
The North Texas chapter of the United Spinal Association is dedicated to becoming an informational hub for persons with spinal cord injury in North Texas. We centralize the local resources of groups currently assisting our consumers, improve independence, help gain employment, encourage advocacy and foster social growth.
United Spinal was founded in 1946 by WWII paralyzed veterans in New York City who advocated for greater civil rights and independence for themselves and their fellow vets. Today, they have over 100,000 wheelchair users, 50+ chapters, 180+ support groups and 100+ rehabilitation and hospital partners nationwide as well as 10 distinguished Spinal Cord Injury Model System Centers that support innovative projects and research in the field of SCI.
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United Spinal Association - North Texas Chapter
Board of Directors
Joe Gavic
President
A wheelchair user for 25+ years, Joe brings business administration and financial reporting experience as Operations Manager for a tech company. He is a former board member for the United Spinal Chapter in Milwaukee.
Bryan Shaner
Board Member
A wheelchair user since 1998 with a degree in Economics, Bryan brings his connections working in the Durable Medical Goods industry to consumers in the area. He also sits on the boards of Baylor Scott & White Support Group and UTSW Adaptive Sports Coalition.
Josh Whitaker
Board Member
A C6-7 Quadriplegic, SCI survivor from 1995 motorcycle accident, a Tarleton State graduate, a veteran wheelchair rugby player, the founder and chair of Vistrability ERG, advisory board member for North Texas Disability Chamber of Commerce, and Director of Environmental Services for Vistra Corp. An advocate for universal design, return to work, and maintaining active lifestyle.
Title | Name | Email |
|---|---|---|
President | Joe Gavic | joe@northtexasusa.org |
Vice-President | Bryan Shaner | bryan@northtexasusa.org |
Secretary / Treasurer | John St. Andria | john@northtexasusa.org |
Board Member | Josh Whitaker | josh@northtexasusa.org |
Board Member | Taylor Nichols | taylor@northtexasusa.org |
Board Member | Wes Tribble | wes@northtexasusa.org |