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Member Biography

Thomas Foley, J.D.

Executive Director, National Disability Institute
Berkeley, California

Last Updated: June 22, 2022

Photo of Thomas FoleyTrained as a tax lawyer and financial planner, Mr. Foley has more than 30 years’ experience serving the disability community by working toward greater economic inclusion. As a person who is blind, Mr. Foley has been an advocate and dedicated his career to collaborating with other thought leaders to address the complex drivers of economic inequality and create pathways to employment and financial security for the most vulnerable communities. In addition, he has been instrumental in developing and influencing federal and state legislation to encourage employment and increase participation of people with disabilities in employment and wealth-building programs. He is the author of EQUITY, the first asset-building book for people with disabilities.

Mr. Foley has worked closely with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Department of Treasury and multiple financial and Community Development institutions to design programs and provide technical assistance to better reach the disability community. Mr. Foley received his Master’s degree from the University of California: Berkeley and earned a JD from Hastings College of the Law. In his spare time, he is a competitive goalball player and ever-hopeful Chicago Cubs fan.