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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here is an important update from Ryan Strunk, the chair of the BLIND Incorporated board. I apologize that I did not get this out sooner.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Fellow Federationists,<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am delighted to inform you that the board of directors of Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions Inc. has selected Jamie Richey as the incoming Interim Executive Director. She will lead our program, assisted by the board, through BLIND Inc.’s transition period. Her first day in this position will be August 21.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Please join me in welcoming Jamie to her new role, and make her feel welcome as she joins us here in Minnesota.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Here is a bit about Jamie in her own words, though I encourage all of you to take the opportunity to get to know her.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#1D1B1A;background:white'>For over twenty years, I have devoted much of my professional life to improving the lives of blind people across various parts of the vocational rehabilitation system. I have experience coordinating programs for young children, youth, and adults, where the programming emphasizes a positive philosophy of blindness and educates participants on nonvisual skills. In 2000, I was a finalist in the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska scholarship program, which kick-started my commitment to promoting independence and empowerment within the blind community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#1D1B1A;background:white'>I attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln, focusing on elementary education and ultimately received an Associate’s degree of applied sciences. Later on, I enrolled in several nonprofit management development programs, and I attained my massage therapy license. I have worked in various capacities over the years with the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, including as an orientation counselor and blindness skills instructor. I also support my husband’s small business through a strategic and operational lens.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#1D1B1A;background:white'>Outside of work, I serve in various leadership capacities within the National Federation of the Blind, most notably as the president of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#1D1B1A;background:white'>I live in Lincoln, Nebraska, where I love spending time with my husband, Jeremy, and my incredible four grown children and two grandsons.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#1D1B1A;background:white'>I am thrilled to be starting the next part of my journey as the interim Executive Director of Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions, Inc. I am deeply motivated by the work our training centers do and am grateful to be a part of the huge impact we make in offering blind people the opportunity to pursue their dreams and live the lives they want.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#1D1B1A;background:white'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#1D1B1A;background:white'>Warmly,<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=MsoNormal><span style='font-size:10.5pt;font-family:"Lato",sans-serif;color:#1D1B1A;background:white'>Ryan Strunk, President, Blindness: Learning In New Dimensions, Inc.</span><o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>