Kimberly Tissot
President and Chief Executive Officer
803-779-5121, ext. 133
ktissot@able-sc.org
Columbia Office
Kimberly Tissot is a nationally recognized disability rights leader and the President & CEO of Able South Carolina (Able SC), the state’s longest-standing, disability-led organization. Through her visionary leadership, Able SC has grown into a statewide force for systems change for disabled South Carolinians.
Guided by the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us,” Kimberly has led landmark efforts advancing the rights of disabled parents, ending subminimum wage employment, and ensuring inclusive education and equitable access to healthcare, housing, and transportation. Her systems advocacy has helped shape state, federal, and international disability policy, positioning South Carolina as a model for disability-led leadership.
A cancer survivor and amputee, Kimberly uses her lived experience to challenge stereotypes, elevate the disability voice, and ensure that those with lived experience are driving the change that affects their lives. Her leadership centers the disability community’s perspective, transforming both policy and practice to make inclusion a reality.
Kimberly serves on multiple national and state coalitions and frequently collaborates with policymakers, universities, and community leaders to ensure disabled voices remain at the center of every decision. Her authenticity, determination, and commitment to elevating lived experience continue to inspire a new generation of advocates and prove that when disabled people lead, entire communities thrive.
Kimberly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in human development from Boston University, Wheelock College of Education, and a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina.
Awards/Honors:
- 2026 Elected to serve on the Board of Directors for the National Council on Independent Living
- 2024 Disability Advocacy Award, American Public Health Association
- 2024 Health Equity Circle of Champions Awardee, Alliance for a Healthier South Carolina
- 2022 Nominee, Athenea Leadership Award, SC Chamber of Commerce
- 2022 Honoree, Columbia-Accra Sister Cities Committee, Columbia World Affairs Council
- 2021 Women of Influence, Columbia Regional Business Report.
- 2021 Founders Awards, YWCA of the Upper Lowlands.
- 2021 South Carolina Women in Business Award, Charleston, Greenville, & Columbia Business Monthly.
- 2019 Richard M. Kuffle Memorial Award (Outstanding Contributor Award), South Carolina Division on Career Development and Transition, Greenville, SC.
- 2019 Women’s Caucus Leadership Award, National Council on Independent Living, Washington, DC
- 2018 Awardee of The State’s 20 Under 40 top Leaders, The State Newspaper, Columbia, South Carolina
- 2017 Pat Head Advocacy Award, Family Connection of SC, Columbia, South Carolina
- 2008 Hero in the Fight, Mental Health America of South Carolina