NEIL JACOBSON – CEO
Neil is the founder and CEO of Abilicorp, the only for-profit employment company for people with disabilities.
Neil retired in 2008 from Wells Fargo Bank after 29 years, most recently serving as Senior Vice President in charge of their System Automation Management and Wireless Technology Divisions, and previously as Chief Systems Architect for the retail business.
Over the past 35 years Neil has been an advocate and change agent for the economic development of people with disabilities. In 1975 he co-founded the CIL Computer Training Program, a nationally recognized training program, enabling people with significant disabilities to become computer programmers. When he stepped down as Chairman of the Board of CIL in 1994, more than 300 students had graduated, 92% of whom had found competitive employment. More than 28 other programs throughout the US, Canada and Puerto Rico now use the CIL CTP as their model. Neil also founded the Association of Rehabilitation Programs in Data Processing, and helped create the Neil Jacobson Computer Center in Uganda.
Neil has continued his work on economic development for people with disabilities as a Board member and past Chair of the World Institute on Disability. He was also the Vice-Chair of the President’s Committee on Employment for People with Disabilities under the Clinton Administration.
Neil received a BS in Mathematics from Hofstra University and completed his MBA at Golden Gate University. In 1991, Neil was inducted into the California Hall of Fame. He has received many awards for his contributions, including the Independence Award from CIL, the Murray Award from the American Academy for Cerebral Palsy, and Alumnae of the Year at Golden Gate University.
Neil lives in Oakland, California, with his wife Denise and their son David.
