Robert W. Wheeler is founder and President of the Jim Thorpe Foundation. Sport Illustrated credited him with primary responsibility for the restoration of Thorpe's Olympic awards in 1982. He has also been Director of Public Relations for the White House Conference for Children and Youth, Executive Director of the Heart of Ohio Girl Scout Council, and Executive Director of the Brighton (New York) Youth Service and Recreation Agency. He holds degrees in history and education from New York University and Syracuse University.