UTICA — The Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) recently named new board members and chairs for its governing board.
James B. Turnbull, IV is now the chair of the governing board, replacing Edward E. Welsseh, who served three terms (or nine years total) as chair.
Additionally, governing board member Richard Dewar was sworn in as 1st vice chair and Paul J. Drejza was sworn as 2nd vice chair. Shawn Kelly also completed his three-term limit. CABVI’s incoming governing board members include Deborah Kessler of Kessler Promotions; Gary Heenan, Utica College (UC) hockey head coach; and Judge Michael Misiaszek.
CABVI also announced the winners of two prestigious awards. Former executive director, Don LoGuidice received the Luca Award, and UC’s Heenan received the Guiding Light Award.
The Luca Award is awarded to an individual or organization that has made a significant impact on employment and upward mobility opportunities for people who are blind and visually impaired. The award honors former CABVI VP of manufacturing, Luca Esposito who played an integral part in developing product lines that employ most of CABVI’s blind and visually impaired workers.
The Guiding Light Award is given to an individual or group of people who made a significant contribution leading to rehabilitation program expansion and improved quality of service. Heenan has helped CABVI with its winter camp, Camp Abilities in Motion, and has advocated for and supported the organization.
