Listening to AFB’s people and the field to chart a successful path forward.

A smiling white man with blonde hair, wearing a black jacket and light blue shirt. Since taking on the role of AFB’s President & CEO, I’ve done a lot of listening to understand the organization’s strengths and where we can improve in making the lives of people who are blind or low vision better.

During the 2023 AFB Leadership Conference — my first week on the job — I sat down with about 22 CEOs and Executive Directors and asked them two questions: What’s your relationship to AFB and what would you like to see us do in the future?

I also offered to meet one-on-one with every member of AFB’s staff and Board of Trustees, and my questions to them were similar: What’s one thing you think is going really well at AFB and what’s the one thing you think isn’t going well — and what do you think is the reason for each?

The feedback, especially from employees, was valuable as we began drafting a new strategic plan to ensure our success. Soon we’ll have a roadmap for the next three to five years and I’m excited about it.

I realize I stepped into my role at a time when AFB was facing some challenges, especially with our finances and a workforce reduction. But people kept coming to work every day with a purpose, so we have a strong foundation to build on.

One of our hallmarks as AFB moves into our second century is the work we’ve done on digital inclusion. I often say to people, “All I want is everything.” It’s going to take time before people who are blind like me have access to everything, but through meaningful dialogue and diligent teamwork we can make that change happen.

Eric Bridges
AFB President & CEO

Download the 2023 Annual Report (PDF)

Next Message from the Chair of AFB’s Board of Trustees