Carl Blake

Carl Blake is the Chief Executive Officer for Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) at PVA's National Office in Washington, D.C. He was appointed Executive Director in January 2018. In May 2023 at PVA's 77th Annual Convention, PVA's Board of Directors formally converted his position to Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, he is responsible for exercising administrative control of all offices and functions of PVA, as directed by the National President and Board of Directors. This includes overseeing all efforts devoted to financial management, development and fundraising, strategic communications, and service programs executed by PVA.

Carl previously served as the Associate Executive Director of Government Relations for PVA. He was responsible for the planning, coordination, and implementation of PVA's National Legislative and Advocacy Program agendas with the United States Congress and federal departments and agencies. He has represented PVA to federal agencies including the Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Defense, Department of Labor, Small Business Administration, Department of Transportation, Department of Justice, and the Office of Personnel Management. He has frequently testified before committees of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, and has been quoted on many occasions in print and online media outlets.

Carl has served PVA and its members for 25 years, dedicating his life to helping veterans and their families, particularly veterans with catastrophic disabilities like spinal cord injury or disorder. The most important thing he has learned in his role: "There are thousands of veterans with spinal cord injuries and disorders who rely on us to be their advocate when they otherwise do not have a voice. PVA supports these veterans so they have opportunities to live fulfilling, active lives in their communities."

Carl was raised in Woodford, Virginia. He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. He received a Bachelor of Science Degree from West Point in May 1998.

Upon graduation from West Point, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 504th Parachute Infantry Regiment (1st Brigade) of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He graduated from Infantry Officer Basic Course, U.S. Army Ranger School, U.S. Army Airborne School, and Air Assault School. His awards include the Army Commendation Medal, Expert Infantryman's Badge, and German Parachutist Badge.