On October 9, 2025 Disability:IN North Carolina’s (DI-NC) 2025 Fall Conference, included business leaders, disability-owned businesses enterprises and outstanding speakers all focused on the theme: Mastering AdapABILITY in a Changing Landscape.  Our keynote speakers Doug McCullough (retired J&J Executive & author) and Nate Salley (former Carolina Panther & CEO of Audible Coaching) engaged the participants with their meaningful incites and practical advice on disability in the culture.

Hosted by Trane Technologies in Davidson, NC.  the DI-NC awards honored the work of Mayia Warren, musician and motivational speaker, and  Larry Sprinkle, WCNC s former weatherman, now special assignments reporter as well as 9 NC businesses.

Keynote Speakers

Nate Salley is a proud husband, father, and entrepreneur who has been blessed to experience success as a college football player at The Ohio State University and in the NFL as a member of the Carolina Panthers.  After suffering multiple knee injuries

during his 4-year NFL career, Nate decided to retire and pursue a career in business, where he worked for 10 years in Corporate Recruiting, 8 of which were in managerial roles. As a result of his past experiences as a Student, Athlete, and Corporate Professional, Nate created Audible

Coaching and Consulting to help Blue-Collar Executives align with their purpose so they can experience more fulfilled personal AND professional lives. He seeks to accomplish this through Executive Life Coaching, Facilitating Workshops, and Motivational Speaking.g

Doug McCullough grew up on a dairy farm in South Central Pennsylvania, received a bachelor’s degree in dairy science from Virginia Tech, and master’s degree in dairy management and operations research from the University of Florida. After achieving his MBA at Duke University, he worked at Johnson & Johnson for 23 years  in various roles, most recently as a senior manager supporting global supply chain

reliability. Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy, a degenerative neuromuscular disease, McCullough was a leader in the company’s disability Inclusion community, serving on multiple councils and helping launch and lead the global disability employee group that encompasses autism, disability, neurodiversity, and mental health.

A popular speaker known for his authenticity and humor, McCullough has been invited to speak at events throughout the continental US  and abroad. His first book, “A Billion People in the Shadows: The Ultimate 1-Hour Guide to Understanding Disability” was published in October 2024 and reached #1 in Amazon’s Business Diversity & Inclusion category.  Recently, he launched a program focused on leadership development specifically for people with disabilities.

Check out the WCNC interview with Larry Sprinkle on You Tube discussing his experience at the conference receiving the Steve LaBour Leadership Award here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVWWSWmthCU