[NFBK] NFBK Minutes - November 6

[Lonnie Swafford]

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

Board of Directors Meeting

November 6, 2025

 

Virtual

 

Present:

 

Executive Board:

 

Angela Henderson - President

Ashley Swafford - 1st Vice President

Sandra Williams - 2nd Vice President

Todd Stephens - Treasurer

Lonnie Swafford - Secretary

 

Board Members:

 

Lora Stephens

Danielle Burton

Jacob Hack

Karen Mayne

 

 

Guests:

 

Tyler Flaugher

Priya Patel

Cathy Jackson

Cindy Sheets

Amelia Lillie

Katie Adkins

 

*	The meeting was called to order by the president at 8:02 PM.

*	A motion was made to approve the board meeting minutes as written
from October 6 by Todd and seconded by Ashley. The motion passed
unanimously.
*	No official treasurer report was provided as invoices are continuing
to be received from the annual convention.
*	Todd reports that he has spoken with our financial advisor. The
standing of our investment accounts are favorable at this time. However,
based on potential market conditions for the spring, an evaluation at that
time may be appropriate. Should circumstances require, the advisor can
provide ways to secure our investments and mitigate losses.
*	Todd advised our fundraising efforts are also favorable with a
larger than expected balance in the general checking account of about
$11,500. $2,856.00 of which was transferred from the Allen fund to cover
costs for the scholarship experience for both recipients and checks have
been mailed. 
*	The expenses for convention were below target at about $9,800.00 and
the board is commended on our efforts to remain fiscally responsible.
*	A motion was made by Todd to donate $500.00 to the national
organization to offset travel costs for the national representative to
attend the convention. The motion was seconded by Lora. The organization is
asking affiliates begin covering the travel expenses of the national
representative. The board recognizes this as an appropriate request  and the
motion passed unanimously.
*	Lonnie reports two additional members have joined the affiliate.
*	Sandra advised during convention, the affiliate received a total of
12 entries for either an initial enrollment or increased amount toward the
pre-authorized contribution, PAC program. The board appeared very pleased
with this and are hopeful more enrollments will be received by the end of
2025.
*	Jacob reports that we raised $243.50 from the popcorn fundraiser and
can expect a direct deposit of the proceeds within the next several days.
Priya was recognized as the top performer for the event.
*	30 canes were donated at convention.
*	Ashley has suggested the board consider a cruise for a fundraiser
through Norwegian Cruz Line. She has been in contact with Bill Brooks, a
travel agent and one of our members and plans to continue discussions on how
we may present this as an opportunity during a future board meeting. Sandra
also stated she is in contact with a friend who assists in planning most of
the cruises for NFB fundraisers. She suggests we also request a comparison
from them to work toward obtaining the best possible options. The board is
in favor of this idea and recognize its potential.
*	Ashley also suggests the board consider hosting a bourbon trail
option as a fundraiser. The board is also in favor of this idea.

 

UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

 

Legislative Update:

 

*	Katie reports that the legislative team met with James Comer,
(congressman - 1st district) and his aid, Morgan McGarvey, congressman (3rd
district) and Brett Guthrie, , (congressman - 2nd district) to discuss the
OSERS Reduction in Force Impact. Congressman McGarvey was very supportive
and offered to assist wherever possible. To that end, Katie is collecting
testimonials to be sent to his office. It appeared that from the meetings
with Congressman Guthrie and Comer, a lack of understanding on various
programs was indicated. Example, they were not aware that the Randolph
Shepard program operates under the auspices of the office of vocational
rehabilitation. All congressmen did acknowledge a lack of transparency and
at this time it is not clear how the reduction in force changes are to be
implemented. Katie has sense apprised the national office of our efforts.
*	Katie asked those on the call living within the Louisville Metro
TARC service area to please also send to her testimonials on how the fixed
route and para-transit services have been used and how changes to the new
ridership network will impact them. Our goal is to ensure that the Metro
council is made aware that these services are vital and must continue.

 

Website and Communications of Sensitive Information:

 

*	Angela reminds the board to please send a brief bio and picture to
Lonnie to be uploaded to the website.
*	The board is reminded that sensitive information such as bank
details, (account numbers and routing numbers) should not be sent via email
as it is not secure and to communicate via phone directly with each other
for the completion of business for the affiliate, its chapters and
divisions. 

 

Microsoft Non-Profit Use Program:

 

*	Lonnie provided to the board a brief overview of the changes to the
program that we've used since 2021 and made a motion to table further
discussion until the next board meeting to allow everyone the opportunity to
review the materials. The motion was seconded by Lora and passed
unanimously.

 

Canes and Conversations:

 

*	Each member of the board is asked to select a month and topic to
present.
*	As part of our outreach, the membership could be asked what topics
they may wish to have presented. A framework of topics is encouraged for
them to select from.

 

Convention:

 

*	Angela advised she is waiting for a response from the hotel to
discuss a contract for the next convention. Lonnie has suggested a two-year
term for the next contract to see if we can obtain a fixed price and the
most favorable terms possible.
*	The board is in favor of hosting the convention during the weekend
of October 23, 2026.
*	Our national representative reported our convention was well
received. She suggests next year hosting the resolutions committee meeting
in the larger space and to advertise it more broadly to increase attendance.
*	A copy of the constitution and board of directors list has been
forwarded to the national office.
*	Copies of the resolutions and amended constitution will be uploaded
on the website soon.
*	The board discussed in detail observations from the annual
convention. They are included as an addendum to the minutes in the
after-action report.

 

Comments and Questions from The Floor:

 

*	Katie asked if she could submit some ideas via email for next year's
convention. Angela invited those in attendance and all of our members to
submit suggestions and feedback to her or the board via email directly. 
*	Amelia asked why the business meeting is held on Sunday morning and
if hosting it on Saturday may increase attendance. Angela and Cathy
explained that the board meeting was moved to Sunday morning to allow for
additional sessions for speakers and presenters on Saturday. It was noted
that when business meetings were held on Saturday, attendance was also less
than desired.
*	Priya mentioned that a quiet space was requested and Angela stated
this will be considered for next convention. 

 

Hearing no further business to discuss, a motion was made by Todd for
adjournment and seconded by Lonnie and the president adjourned the meeting
at 9:24 PM.

 

Respectfully submitted to the board of directors of the National Federation
of the Blind of Kentucky on Friday, November 7, 2025 by: Lonnie Swafford,
Secretary.




 

National Federation of the Blind of Kentucky

Board of Directors 

 

After Action Report

 

Annual Convention

October 24-October 26, 2025

 

Hilton Garden Inn, Northeast

9850 Park Plaza Avenue, Louisville, KY 40241

 

This after-action report has been prepared with observations from the
current board of directors and members from our board meeting conducted
virtually on November 6, 2025. It is noted here that this report is in no
way a reflection of the affiliate's ability to perform in its mission and is
further not to be considered as a mechanism toward a particular person or
persons serving in various roles throughout the convention. The purpose of
the report is to provide to the board an outline of feedback received. Note
that some observations and recommendations listed here were identified as
action items or observations in the board of directors meeting conducted
virtually on October 6, 2025.

 

Strengths:

*	The convention was reported to be well received in regard to
exhibits and programming.
*	The registration packets were prepared well and the board was
pleased all but one remained.
*	The operations of the sound system was of excellent quality. It was
much improved from the prior year and J.P. Pullens is to be commended for
providing excellent service toward this outcome.
*	The door prize system developed by Jacob was well received.
*	The TAD Symposium was well attended, including the exhibits on
Friday.
*	The board was commended on its work toward providing an excellent
convention.

 

Opportunities and Observations:

 

*         Additional time between the close of pre-registration and the
deadline to provide meal counts to the hotel must be extended.

*         The web team should perform back-end CRM work during the
pre-registration period frequently with regular check-ins and updates to the
board of directors. This will include but may not be limited to providing
registration and meal counts and selections, assisting the public with
completing pre-registrations and bulk duplicate contact merging and
removals.

*         It is recommended the pre-registration form include an option for
attendees to indicate if they would like a print or Braille copy of the
agenda.

*	Consider a plan for attendees to make payments throughout the year
in advance of the convention to allow for budgeting.
*	If possible, close pre-registration several days subsequent to the
third of the month of convention. Some of our members and the public receive
a fixed payment on the first or third of the month from social security or
pensions and cannot register until those funds have been received.
*	Ensure that first time attendees are recognized. This may be done by
hosting a dedicated event such as a rookie round-up or assigning a mentor to
them throughout the convention.
*	The banquet commenced later than expected due to a slight delay in
the delivery of the meal. Ensure we have a plan for such an occurrence as a
filler, as needed. 
*	A playlist is recommended for the next convention to ensure a smooth
transition for presenters and speakers in the audience. Examples for this
would be a list to identify what may be needed for specific presentations,
i.e. extra chairs, wireless microphones, etc. This recommendation was also
included in the after-action report for 2024.
*	Runners for wireless microphones is requested.
*	More than one person should be on hand to assist with transactions
completed with a card reader. This will reduce workload and allow for a
smoother process.
*	A spreadsheet will be developed to track on-site transactions. This
will log items such as payment for registration and raffles. 
*	It is recommended that we do not copy and paste any text from other
sources to be used in a future agenda but rather to write a new one from a
blank document. This recommendation was also included in the 2024 after
action report.
*	Outreach is encouraged to gather feedback for first-time attendees
and for those who did not attend this year but did attend the convention in
2024. It is noted that a total of 44 people attended in 2024 who did not
attend this year.
*	The convention live stream was recorded in audio, only. Video is
suggested as not all attendees, those viewing virtually and future visitors
to our YouTube channel are blind. This promotes full engagement and aligns
with the practices of the national organization for streaming. The board
will check into pricing for a video camera for future use.
*	Costs for new wireless microphones have been provided and the board
will review them and consider purchasing a new set recommended by J.P.
Pullens.
*	Purchasing of new equipment is encouraged during Black Friday events
to obtain the most cost-effective deals.
*	It is recommended that the agenda be provided sooner to the public.
If this is not possible, a teaser of events leading up to convention is
encouraged.
*	Advertising a save the date notice to the public is recommended,
once the new hotel contract has been secured for the next convention. This
affords everyone ample time for planning and budgeting to attend.
*	Timing of the exhibitors during lunch proved to be a little
problematic as most visitors to tables occurred near the end of the lunch
period, just before the next general session.
*	A quiet space has been requested. We may be able to use the smaller
room if it is not in use for child care or other convention activities or
ask the hotel if another space is available.
*	Ensure the quality of videos for video and audio are acceptable
before uploading to the YouTube channel. 
*	No comments were recorded about the social, sports and recreation
event or ice cream provided by Adam's Chill Cart. 

 

 

 

Lonnie & Ashley Swafford

5109 Bannon Crossings Drive

Louisville, KY 40218

H: (502) 491-1992

M: (502) 609-2394

 

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