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New Trustees Bolster Foundation’s National Leadership Team
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The Foundation Fighting Blindness has appointed several new national trustees to its leadership team to further enhance its drive to eradicate the entire spectrum of retinal degenerative diseases that affect more than 10 million Americans. Throughout the Foundation’s history, national trustees have played integral and invaluable roles in organizational leadership, revenue development, and raising public awareness. “I am delighted to have these new trustees on our team,” says William T. Schmidt, chief executive officer, Foundation Fighting Blindness. “They are strong and effective leaders, who have demonstrated extraordinary passion and commitment to our mission. Their energy and enthusiasm will be a big boost to our growth and the advancement of sight-saving research.” New national trustees are: Ebby Halliday Acers — Ebby received the Foundation’s Visionary Award at the Inaugural Dining in the Dark in 2008 for her business success and extraordinary philanthropy. She served as the event’s co-chair in 2009 and 2010. Ebby is founder and chairman of Ebby Halliday Companies and is considered one of Texas’ most outstanding businesswomen and philanthropists. Ed and Pam Babin — The Babins are active members of the Foundation’s Philadelphia Chapter, strongly supporting a number of local and national events. The Babins served as chairs of the 2010 Philadelphia Dining in the Dark, and family chairs of the 2009 Philadelphia VisionWalk. Ed is owner of Metropolitan Fire Protection Company. Carlos Gutierrez — Carlos has been a strong supporter of the Foundation’s Love of Sight Dinner in Washington, D.C., serving as the event’s co-chair with his wife, Edilia, in 2008, 2009, and 2010. He has also been on the dinner’s organizing committee for several years. Carlos was secretary of the US Department of Commerce and chief executive officer of Kellogg Company. Judy and Joe Kahl — The Kahl family has been strongly supporting the Foundation for nearly three decades through a variety of events and activities including: fashion shows, a golf tournament, and letter writing campaigns. Judy also raises funds through donations for her “FFBees” jeweled bee pins and sales of her Just Because Designs stationary and apparel line. Joe previously owned a steel-related business. Judy owned a jewelry and accessory business. Ann Korologos — Ann co-founded the Foundation’s For the Love of Sight Dinner in Washington, D.C., and she and her husband, Tom, have served as the event’s co-chairs every year since its inception in 2002. Ann has held several key leadership positions within the federal government including Secretary of Labor and Assistant Secretary of the Department of Treasury. She is also a member of the board of directors for several corporations. Janni Lehrer-Stein — For several years, Janni and her family have been strong and active volunteers and supporters of numerous Foundation events including the San Francisco Dining in the Dark, the Bay Area VisionWalk, and the Ultimate Fantasy Hockey League. She served as chair of the 2010 San Francisco Dining in the Dark. Janni is an attorney. Evan and Debi Mittman — The Mittmans chaired the inaugural Westchester-Fairfield VisionWalk in 2008 and the inaugural Westchester-Fairfield Dining in the Dark in 2009. Debi is president of the Foundation’s Westchester-Fairfield Chapter and Evan serves as vice president of fundraising for the chapter. The Mittmans have been active with the Foundation for two decades. Evan is founder, chief executive officer, and design director of Cipriani Accessories in New York City. Jason Morris — Jason and his wife, Leslie, became active with the Foundation through the 2009 St. Louis VisionWalk. Jason served as business chair for the walk, Leslie served on the walk committee, and the Morris family’s team was very successful in fundraising. Jason served as co-chair for the 2010 St. Louis Dining in the Dark and is now president of the St. Louis Chapter. Leslie is co-chair for the 2010 St. Louis VisionWalk. Jason is vice president of brand operations for TRG Group. Reuven and Iris Spiegel — The Spiegels became active with the Foundation Fighting Blindness in 2009, attending a number of events including the Los Angeles Dining in the Dark and the New Jersey Taste for Sight. Reuven received the Foundation’s Visionary Award for his business success and philanthropy at the 2010 New York City Dining in the Dark. Iris was the co-chair of the dinner’s fundraising committee. Reuven is president and chief executive officer of Israel Discount Bank of New York. |
