A Note from Nate Garland, Interim CEO
Dear Friends,
I’m honored to step into the role of Interim CEO of Special Olympics Pennsylvania and to serve alongside this incredible community.
For more than 25 years, I’ve had the privilege of being part of this movement—as a Unified partner, coach, program leader, and for 20 years a senior leader in two states overseeing both fundraising and sports & competition. What continues to inspire me every day is simple: the courage of our athletes, the dedication of our volunteers, and the belief that inclusion makes our communities stronger.
Over the past few weeks, I’ve had the chance to reflect on what makes Special Olympics Pennsylvania so special. At our core, we are a community-powered movement. Our impact doesn’t happen from the top down—it happens because of local volunteers and families who step forward, build teams, support athletes, and create opportunities where none existed before.
That’s why one of our most important priorities moving forward is both growing our presence in communities across Pennsylvania—especially in places where Special Olympics programming doesn’t yet exist—and bringing our entire movement closer together as one unified community. We know there are thousands of athletes still waiting for an opportunity to participate, compete, and belong. Reaching them—and supporting one another along the way—will take all of us.
You’ll hear me talk often about strengthening the support around our athletes—how we bring together coaches, volunteers, families, schools, law enforcement, and partners to create meaningful opportunities. When that support is strong, it fuels growth, deepens connection, and ensures that every athlete has a high-quality experience.
I am incredibly optimistic about what lies ahead. We have momentum, we have purpose, and most importantly, we have each other.
Thank you for all you do to make this movement possible. I look forward to building what’s next—together.
It’s a privilege,
Nate Garland
Interim CEO
Special Olympics Pennsylvania