[Ohio-Talk] Emailing: National Federation of the Blind of Ohio 2026 committee's.docx

[Richard Payne]

2026 NFBO Committee Appointments: Message from Leadership
Year-End Reflections and Congratulations
First, let me congratulate everyone on completing another year together.
Throughout this past year, we have worked diligently and battled to support
our national organization. Our efforts have enabled us to effectively
represent our affiliate at the state house and with several other government
agencies.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Our Chapters
While we have made significant progress, I will be the first to acknowledge
that there is still more work to be done. It is crucial that our chapters
make an extra effort to recruit new members and focus on educating them
about the philosophy of the federation. This will help ensure the continued
growth and strength of our organization.
Committee Appointments and Contact Information
You will find the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio's 2026 NFBO
Committee Appointments listed in the body of this message and attached. If
you have any questions, please feel free to contact me off-list.
Closing Remarks
Happy New Year! Let's work together to build the federation.

National Federation of the Blind of Ohio's
2026 NFBO Committee Appointments

The following outlines the National Federation of the Blind of Ohio's (NFBO)
committee appointments for 2026, along with each committee's specific
responsibilities and areas of focus.


1.	Awards Committee

Details:
The Awards Committee is tasked with overseeing the entire awards process.
The committee provides information and feedback as needed, ensuring
transparency and fairness. Members are responsible for exercising reasonable
judgment regarding the selection and distribution of NFBO awards.
Committee Members:
William Turner, Chair
Jerry Purcell
Ivory Thomas
LuAnn Bowers
Jessica Stover

2.	Constitution Committee

Details:
The Constitution Committee ensures that all NFBO constitutions align with
both state and national constitutions. This alignment is evaluated both
philosophically and rhetorically, maintaining consistency and adherence to
organizational values and guidelines.
Committee Members:
Annette Lutz, Chair
Dr. Carolyn Peters
Suzanne Turner
Mike Bullis

3.	Resolutions Committee

Details:
This committee is responsible for managing the submission process for
resolutions. It also drafts and distributes resolutions that are clearly
articulated and philosophically sound, ensuring that the organization's
positions are effectively communicated.
Committee Members:
Mike Bullis
Mariann Denning

4.	Deaf-Blind Committee

Details:
The Deaf-Blind Committee provides support and information to individuals
within this unique community. The committee serves as a vehicle for
fostering positive relationships and ensuring the inclusion and
representation of deaf-blind individuals within NFBO.
Committee Members
Delcenia Brown and Dynasty lavender Co-Chairs
William Turner

5.	Fundraising and Financing the Movement Committee (including PAC)

Details:
This committee's focus is to raise awareness among members about
organizational fundraising opportunities. The committee also implements
strategies to increase participation, ensuring the financial sustainability
of NFBO initiatives and programs.
Committee Members:
Teresa Mckinney and Pat McPherson Co-Chairs
Sabrina Brashers
LuAnn Bowers

6.	Legislative Committee

Details:
The Legislative Committee works to enhance the organization's visibility and
effectiveness within the state legislature. The committee continues to
support NFBO's advocacy efforts in Washington throughout the year,
contributing to the advancement of legislative priorities.
Committee Members:
Suzanne Turner, Chair
William Turner
Emily Kiehl
Shane Popplestone
LuAnn Bowers
Chacity Gilliam
Annette Lutz
Christopher Sabine

7.	Membership Committee

Details:
This committee is responsible for recruiting and retaining NFBO members. The
committee develops and implements effective strategies to revitalize the
organization's chapters and divisions, supporting growth and engagement
across Ohio.
Committee Members:
Kathy Legg and William Turner, Co-Chairs
Pat McPherson
Sabrina Brashers
Dynasty lavender
Chacity Gilliam
Jessica Stover

8.	Communication Committee

Details:
The Communication Committee supports the state president by ensuring that
content on both the Newsline service and the organization's website is
current and relevant. The committee actively promotes and advertises
Newsline to broaden its reach and enhance its impact.
Content Development and Branding: Members develop a variety of content and
recommend creative strategies to strengthen NFBO branding. Responsibilities
include researching target audience preferences, monitoring current trends,
and producing engaging written, visual, and video materials. The committee
also designs posts that attract attention and generate interest in key
issues.
Social Media Engagement and Oversight: Committee members stay informed about
changes across social media platforms to maximize outreach. They train
organizational leaders in effective, cohesive use of social media and
oversee account management.
Required Skills: All members must be proficient computer users to
successfully fulfill committee responsibilities.
Committee Members:
Ivory Thomas, Chair 
Shane Popplestone
Jo Ross
Asia Quinones-Evans
Suzanne Turner

9.	Scholarship Committee

Details:
The Scholarship Committee manages the affiliate scholarship program. It also
develops and implements strategies to increase program visibility and
participation, ensuring that opportunities are widely accessible to eligible
individuals.
Committee Members:
Kristin Coen and  Kinshuk Tella co-chairs
Andra Stover
Asia Quinones-Evans

10.	Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee

Details:
This committee provides education, training, guidance, and advocacy related
to diversity, equity, and inclusion. It addresses the diverse needs of the
community, including intersectionality of ability, age, religion, race,
ethnicity, culture, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation.
Committee Members:
Dr. Carolyn Peters, Chair
Chacity Gilliam
Delcenia Brown
Christopher Sabine

11.	Employment Committee

Details:
The Employment Committee informs the president about relevant policies,
legislation, strategies, and initiatives, highlighting why NFBO should
engage in efforts to improve employment opportunities for blind individuals
statewide and beyond. The committee addresses accessible technology,
socialization skills, resume writing, career exploration, and prepares
employers for interviewing and hiring blind candidates. It also prepares
members for participation in national career fairs, educates on networking,
interviewing, advocacy for reasonable accommodations, rehabilitation
services, and other vital resources essential for career success and
retention.
Committee Members:
David Perry, Chair
Shawn Martin
William Turner

12.	Randolph-Sheppard Committee

Details:
This committee collaborates with the National Association of Blind Merchants
and the Ohio Vendors Representative Committee to maximize opportunities
within Ohio's Business Enterprise Program. The committee advocates for blind
licensees and prospective licensees, keeps the NFB of Ohio Board informed
about program developments, and sponsors ongoing training and education on
entrepreneurship and other topics relevant to blind vendors.
Committee Members
Frank Bragassa
Annette Lutz  

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