FOCUS Winter 2026: AFB Spotlight

AFB Welcomes Bethany Johnson as New VP for Programs

This past fall, Bethany Johnson joined AFB in the newly established role of Vice President for Programs. She brings more than 25 years of experience leading innovative programs that promote workforce solutions for people with disabilities.

“Bethany’s lifelong commitment to unlocking potential for underserved groups has opened countless doors of opportunity,” said Eric Bridges, AFB president and CEO. “We’re excited about 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 serves on AFB’s Senior Leadership Team, providing strategic direction and administrative oversight for a range of initiatives. This work includes the AFB Scholars Program, AFB’s Digital Accessibility Bootcamp, and other programs impacting leadership, education, and employment.

“After several months settling into my new role, it’s been an absolute privilege to work so closely with these incredible students,” said Johnson. “Their talent, determination, and vision remind me why AFB’s mission matters so much. When we invest in people, we create endless opportunities—for individual success and for a more inclusive world.”

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.