PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Eric Ochmanek leads ABLE today, which directly engages the disability community through national outreach, developing resources, and fostering partnerships to increase the awareness of ABLE accounts. In 2016, Eric worked to launch one of the first ABLE programs and developed its in-state and national outreach. He has traveled throughout the country to connect people with disabilities with ABLE accounts and built partnerships within the disability, financial, legal, and support service communities.

Before joining NAST, Eric was a member of the Senior Staff in the Ohio Treasurer’s office, serving as Deputy Chief of Staff from 2015-2019.

Previously, Eric worked for British Petroleum in the North America Gas division, the White House Office of Presidential Advance, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the Office of the Secretary. Eric is a graduate of Adrian College (Adrian, MI). He and his wife enjoy volunteering at their sons' school and for their sports teams.

SENIOR ADVISOR

Sara Hart Weir is a Senior Advisor to ABLE today and the Executive Director of the Kansas Developmental Disabilities Council. Weir has been working in the disability community for over two decades as a nonprofit executive, disability activist and ABLE expert. She served as the President & C.E.O. of the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS), where during her tenure, led the passage of the landmark, bipartisan Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act in 2014 (P.L.113-295). The legislation garnered the support of 85% of the entire US Congress. Weir also supported a majority of the enactment of ABLE state laws, assisted with over 40 state ABLE plan launches as well as led four successful federal improvements to the original ABLE Act.

Her passion, ignited by her late friend Kasey with Down syndrome, continues to drive Weir to ensure people with disabilities have a seat at the table and equity in the workplace.

Weir serves as a Commissioner on the Kansas Employment Oversight First Commission as well as on the Board of Directors for 2-Gether International, Creative Spirit and Golden Scoop in her hometown of Overland Park, Kansas. Weir was also the primary runner up in for U.S. Congress in Kansas' Third Congressional district in 2020. Weir has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Political Leadership from Westminster College and a Master of Science in Public Policy and Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College.

NATIONAL OUTREACH LEAD

Mark Raymond, Jr. is the CEO & Founder of The Split Second Foundation, an organization committed to breaking barriers for people with disabilities. Mark's life changed in a split second when a tragic accident left him a C-5 quadriplegic. That tick of the clock will forever influence who he is, pushing him to advocate for others.

Mark has a deep-rooted history of serving the community. From renaming historic streets and landmarks in New Orleans to creating a more accessible and robust rehabilitative health infrastructure in the Gulf South, Mark strives for the advancement of those most disadvantaged.

From 2022-2024, Mark served as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Regional Transit Authority in New Orleans.