CONTACT: Tony Stephens, Assistant Vice-President, Communications 212.502.7627 | tstephens@afb.org
ARLINGTON, VA (October 16, 2025) — The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) announced today that Bethany Johnson has been appointed Vice President for Programs. Johnson joins AFB with more than 25 years of experience leading innovative programs that promote workforce solutions for people with disabilities.
“Ms. Johnson’s lifelong commitment to unlocking the potential for underserved groups has opened countless doors of opportunity,” said Eric Bridges, AFB President and CEO. “We’re excited for the opportunity AFB now has under her leadership—not only to strengthen our existing workforce programs, but also to identify new areas of programmatic growth across the blindness field.”
As Vice President for Programs, Johnson will serve on AFB’s Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic direction and administrative oversight for a range of AFB initiatives. Her portfolio will include the AFB Scholars Program, AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp—an eight-week summer internship program for college students—and other efforts that promote employment, leadership, and knowledge sharing such as the annual AFB Leadership Conference and related events.
Prior to joining AFB, Johnson served at the Overbrook School for the Blind, where she led workforce readiness and mentoring programs for blind and low-vision youth across Pennsylvania. Earlier in her career, she directed operations and workforce development programs at ReSOURCE, a Vermont-based nonprofit that empowers individuals with job skills that strengthen local communities.
Johnson holds a Master of Education degree from Plymouth State University, with an emphasis on adult education, and a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Vermont.
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. AFB publishes the Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness (JVIB) and is the proud steward of the Helen Keller Archive, available at afb.org/HelenKellerArchive.
