Brad Snyder

Brad Snyder is a U.S. Navy veteran, Paralympic gold medalist, and leadership scholar whose life exemplifies resilience, service, and purpose. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006, Brad served as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) officer, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan. In 2011, while aiding fellow service members during combat operations, he was severely wounded by an improvised explosive device, losing his eyesight. One year later—on the anniversary of his injury—Brad won gold for Team USA at the London Paralympic Games, launching a distinguished athletic career that includes multiple World Championships and seven Paralympic medals.

Beyond sport, Brad has become a leading voice on ethical leadership, civil-military relations, and the moral complexities of modern warfare. He now serves on the boards of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee, and is completing a PhD at Princeton University focused on applied ethics in war.

Back to Speakers