Dallas, TX (December 2, 2015)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is pleased to welcome Cindy Watson as the new director of the AFB Center on Vision Loss and Web Programs. A known leader in the field of blindness, Watson is charged with overseeing the AFB Center on Vision Loss, a national demonstration center dedicated to helping people with vision loss live independently. In addition, she will lead the organization's CareerConnect, FamilyConnect and VisionAware programs.
"We are thrilled to have Cindy on our team," said Carl R. Augusto, AFB president and CEO. "Cindy brings wonderful enthusiasm and leadership experience that will be a real asset to AFB and the millions of Americans we serve. She is already finding ways to expand our reach."
Watson, a former member of the AFB Board of Trustees, joins the organization from the Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, where she served as director of Contract Services. Previously, she was a fellow at the National Industries for the Blind and provided vocational rehabilitation teaching, counseling and employment assistance for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services-Blind Division.
"Cindy brings incredible warmth, knowledge and fresh ideas for expanding the Center's impact here in Dallas," said Debbie Dennis, Chair of Board of the AFB Center on Vision Loss. "The Center is a lifeline for families coping with vision loss, and we are thrilled to have Cindy at the helm."
Watson earned her undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Houston Clear Lake and a Certificate in Business from the University of Virginia Darden Graduate School of Business.
"It's wonderful to be back in my home state of Texas, working to expand possibilities for people with vision loss," said Watson. "I look forward to helping people around the nation find the tools and resources they need to get ahead."
Watson succeeds Judy Scott, who recently retired from AFB after 46 years of service in the field of vision loss.
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The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that expands possibilities for people with vision loss. AFB's priorities include broadening access to technology; elevating the quality of information and tools for the professionals who serve people with vision loss; and promoting independent and healthy living for people with vision loss by providing them and their families with relevant and timely resources. Headquartered in New York, AFB is proud to house the Helen Keller Archives and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB.
Contact:
Adrianna Montague
Chief Communications & Marketing Officer
American Foundation for the Blind
amontague@afb.net
212-502-7615
