Gene Saunders, founder and chief executive officer of Project Lifesaver International, has been named one of CIO Today’s "Top 5 Most Influential Business Visionaries to Follow in 2026." The recognition highlights his leadership in public safety innovation and his role in transforming search-and-rescue operations through technology-driven solutions.
Recognition for Public Safety Innovation
The honor underscores Mr. Saunders’ decades-long commitment to improving outcomes for vulnerable individuals prone to wandering due to cognitive conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, autism and Down syndrome. Through Project Lifesaver International, he has helped build a structured, technology-supported model that equips first responders with tools, training and protocols designed to locate missing individuals quickly and safely.
A Career in Public Service
Mr. Saunders’ career in public service began in 1963, when he entered the U.S. Army after graduating from Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia. He later served as a paratrooper with the 101st Airborne and continued his military leadership through the National Guard, the Civil Air Patrol and the Virginia State Guard.
In 1968, Mr. Saunders joined the Chesapeake Police Department, where he rose to the rank of captain. He founded and commanded the department’s SWAT team for 23 years, leading more than 800 missions and overseeing specialized operations across multiple units.
The Development of Project Lifesaver
The turning point in Mr. Saunders’ career came from frustration during search-and-rescue missions involving missing individuals with cognitive impairments. He witnessed the emotional toll on families when searches ended in tragedy.
Determined to find a better solution, Mr. Saunders studied wildlife radio-tracking technology and adapted it for human use. In 1997, he developed the concept that became Project Lifesaver. By 1999, the program was established within the sheriff’s office, and in 2001, he retired from law enforcement to dedicate himself fully to expanding the initiative.
A Structured, Technology-Based Model
Project Lifesaver introduced a proactive system that combines radio frequency transmitters with specialized training for public safety agencies. Instead of relying solely on large-scale search operations, trained teams can deploy targeted tracking methods to significantly reduce search time and crew requirements.
Mr. Saunders has long emphasized practical efficiency and has noted that traditional searches for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease can last many hours and require extensive personnel. At the same time, a properly implemented tracking program can reduce both time and cost.
Leadership and Ongoing Impact
Under Mr. Saunders’ leadership, Project Lifesaver has expanded internationally, supporting member agencies across the United States and abroad. The organization focuses on accountability, continuous training and measurable results. He often shares a simple leadership principle: “You’re only as good as your last operation.” He encourages agencies and leaders to remain disciplined, stay calm in crises and continue refining their methods.
CIO Today’s recognition highlights not only technological innovation but also sustained humanitarian impact. Mr. Saunders leads a nonprofit organization and has consistently stated that his mission is service-driven rather than profit-focused. His work reflects a career defined by operational excellence, community collaboration and persistence.
Mr. Saunders remains active in national search-and-rescue organizations and serves on the board of trustees of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. He continues to speak at universities and public safety forums, advocating for improved preparedness and the integration of technology.
About Project Lifesaver
Founded in 1999, Project Lifesaver is a public safety nonprofit focused on helping protect and locate individuals with cognitive conditions who are at risk of wandering. The program provides law enforcement and search-and-rescue teams with specialized tracking technology, training and response protocols to improve recovery results. Today, Project Lifesaver supports agencies across the country and worldwide, helping to bring vulnerable individuals home. For more information, visit projectlifesaver.org.
About Marquis Who’s Who
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
Media Contact
Project Lifesaver International
saunders@projectlifesaver.org
+1 877-580-5433
