CONTACT: Tony Stephens, Director of Communications 212.502.7627 | tstephens@afb.org
ARLINGTON, VA (April 17, 2024) — The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) welcomed its newest members to the AFB Board of Trustees following a successful orientation during the March 2024 board meeting held in Alexandria, Virginia. The slate of recently appointed trustees brings a wealth of experience in nonprofit leadership and governance and a deep understanding of the daily experiences of people who are blind or have low vision.
“We’re excited by the energy and enthusiasm our new trustees bring to the board,” said AFB President & CEO Eric Bridges. “Their combined knowledge and expertise will help guide AFB as we embark on our new strategic plan to create a future of endless possibilities for people who are blind or have low vision.”
The newly appointed members of the Board of Trustees include Jamie Dean, Senior Corporate Counsel - Accessibility for Microsoft; Sharon Giovinazzo, Chief Executive Officer for the Lighthouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired — San Francisco; and James Hands, Chief Financial and Operating Officer for The Seeing Eye.
“Invaluable insights and collaboration emerged during our recent in-person Board of Trustees meeting for the American Foundation for the Blind, underscoring the profound value of direct engagement and shared vision,” said new trustee Sharon Giovinazzo. “I am honored to be one of the newest members of this board, and I look forward to harnessing this spirit of unity and purpose to drive AFB's mission forward.”
During the board orientation, new trustees met with AFB staff, unpacking the organization's more than 100 years of rich history of serving the field of blindness and low vision through thought leadership, advocacy, and strategic partnerships.
“It’s a thrill and an honor to be part of such a storied organization,” said new trustee James Hands, who recognized the significant value of networking with the trustees. It was encouraging to learn about all the important initiatives that AFB is leading, and I look forward to working with President and CEO Eric Bridges and the entire AFB team as we implement a new strategic plan.”
New trustee Jamie Dean added, “I’m honored to join AFB’s board as we build on the organization’s rich legacy of advocacy, research, and empowerment. I was energized to gain a deeper understanding of AFB’s history and the strategic plan articulated by our executive director and staff. I am eager to serve on the board during this time of renewed focus.”
During the board meeting, immediate past chair Debbie Dennis was present, who had been formally recognized for her service to AFB over the years. Under Dennis’ leadership, the organization hired its new CEO, completed the long-awaited documentary film Possibilities, and embarked on its new strategic plan, which the new trustees will help shepherd into AFB’s 2nd century of work under the shared leadership of AFB co-chairs Diane Fazzi and Melanie Lockwood Herman along with the existing trustees.
Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind creates equal opportunities and expands possibilities for people who are blind, deafblind, or have low vision through advocacy, thought leadership, and strategic partnerships. In addition to publishing the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB), AFB is also the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, which is available on the AFB website at www.afb.org.
