John Dow, Jr., Ph.D. Chief Operating Officer, Regional Growth  Dr. John Dow, Jr. serves as Chief Operating Officer, Regional Growth. In this role, he works closely with Regional Managing Directors to oversee operations in all seven Special Olympics regions around the world. He also currently serves as the Acting Managing Director for Special Olympics Africa and is the staff liaison to the Special Olympics Board of Directors’ International Advisory Committee. In addition, he is responsible for Special Olympics’ business services, including all finance functions. The Senior Vice President of Finance reports to him and they work closely with the Board’s Audit and Finance Committee. Dow has more than 30 years of professional educational leadership experience. Prior to joining Special Olympics, he worked as a national consultant to educational and nonprofit organizations, specializing in planning programs geared toward disenfranchised and socially alienated students. In 1992, Dow was named the Chief Executive Officer of the National Academy Foundation (NAF). During his six years with NAF, the organization grew from 110 sites to over 290 academy programs in 33 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. From 1983 to 1992, Dow served as the CEO of the New Haven (Connecticut) Public Schools. During his tenure, the percentage of college-bound seniors increased from 45 percent to 85 percent. He also brought new technology into the classrooms, established a district-wide social skills development program, and created a parental partnership program. Dow earned his bachelor’s degree in Biology and Physical Education from Indiana State University, his master’s degree in Education with a Counseling Emphasis from Indiana State University, and his doctorate in Educational Administration from Michigan State University. Dow has been recognized with numerous educational awards throughout his career, including the Black Businesses and Professional Women’s Association Man of the year and the Indiana State University Distinguished Alumni Award. He also was named one of North America’s top School Educators by The Executive Educator.