In December 2023, Nancy C. Keating retired after 50 years of tireless service as the CEO of Challenge Enterprises of North Florida, Inc. Her profound leadership and advocacy for individuals with disabilities left an indelible mark on the organization and the entire AbilityOne community. As we reflect on Nancy’s extraordinary journey, we celebrate the countless lives she touched and the lasting impact of her work.
National Leadership in the AbilityOne Community
Throughout her tenure at Challenge Enterprises, Nancy exemplified the highest standards of service, advocacy, and commitment. Under her leadership, the organization grew from a regional nonprofit to a national model of excellence, inspiring best practices for similar organizations across the country. Nancy’s vision and drive transformed Challenge Enterprises, creating meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities while shaping the landscape of disability employment nationwide.
Her influence reached far beyond the organization itself. Nancy played a pivotal role in shaping national policy within the AbilityOne community, ensuring that the employment rights of individuals with disabilities remained a top priority. She forged powerful partnerships and advocated for critical legislation that strengthened employment opportunities for those with disabilities. By working closely with Congress and federal agencies, Nancy enhanced the effectiveness of federal programs that support these individuals.
Expanding Employment Opportunities Nationwide
One of Nancy’s most significant accomplishments was the expansion of sustainable employment for people with disabilities. Through Challenge Enterprises’ participation in the AbilityOne Program, she successfully advocated for increased involvement, leading to the creation of thousands of jobs through federal contracts. Since signing its first contract in 1988, Challenge Enterprises secured and administered 15 federal contracts, providing countless employment opportunities for individuals with diverse abilities.
Nancy’s dedication to inclusivity and workforce development ensured that employees not only earned competitive wages but also had access to supportive environments that promoted growth and well-being. She led by example, embodying the belief that a truly inclusive workforce benefits everyone. Her vision was encapsulated in Helen Keller’s words, which she often quoted: “Alone, we can do so little; together, we can do so much.”
Advocacy and Policy Leadership
Nancy’s contributions to policy within the AbilityOne framework were immeasurable. Her deep understanding of federal procurement laws made her an invaluable advocate for legislative reform, driving initiatives that expanded access to procurement contracts for nonprofits serving individuals with disabilities. Under her leadership, Challenge Enterprises became a competitive force within the federal contracting space, ensuring that people with disabilities could secure long-term, meaningful employment.
Her involvement in the Grassroots Advocacy Conference in Washington, D.C., empowered employees to engage directly with policymakers, reinforcing the importance of advocacy and civic participation. Nancy’s efforts inspired a new generation of advocates, eager to ensure that the rights and opportunities for individuals with disabilities remained a national focus.
A Legacy of Inspiration and Impact
Nancy C. Keating will be remembered not only for her achievements in policy and advocacy but also for her compassionate, visionary leadership. She dedicated her life to ensuring that every individual with a disability had the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. Her unwavering belief in the power of people and possibilities drove her to break down barriers and open doors for thousands of individuals.
To honor her legacy, in 2024, Challenge Enterprises launched the Nancy C. Keating Golf Classic, a fundraising event created to celebrate her remarkable impact and ensure continued support for the organization’s mission. This annual tournament serves as a lasting tribute to Nancy’s work, raising funds to sustain the programs and opportunities she championed throughout her career.
As Nancy transitioned into retirement, her legacy continued to resonate within Challenge Enterprises and the broader AbilityOne community. Her 50-year career represented a masterclass in leadership, advocacy, and impact, and her dedication transformed Challenge Enterprises into a model organization.
Nancy’s influence will continue to inspire future generations, reminding us all that with determination and collaboration, we can achieve extraordinary things. Her legacy will live on in the countless lives she touched, forever leaving a lasting impact on the world.
