WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 6, 2020)—The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)—one of the nation's premier organizations for improving the lives of people with vision loss—has announced the election of Shay Assad to its national board of trustees following the June 2020 board meeting.
"We are very excited about the many talents Shay brings to AFB," said Dr. Kirk Adams, AFB President and CEO. "He possesses a wide range of expertise and we know he will bring extraordinary creativity and experience to the board, especially with his prior work with AbilityOne."
About the new trustee
Shay Assad most recently served as Director of Defense Pricing for the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense from 2011 to December 2018. In this role he was responsible for contract pricing matters within the Department of Defense. He served as the principal advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and the Defense Acquisition Board on acquisition and procurement negotiation strategies for all major weapon systems programs, and major automated information systems programs.
Earlier in his career Shay worked for the Raytheon Company, earning several promotions over a 22-year period, ranging from Senior Vice President, Contracts to Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s engineering and construction business. In 2004, he became the Marine Corps’ senior civilian Contracting official. In 2006, Mr. Assad assumed the role of Director of Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy (DPAP). In 2009, he assumed the position of Acting Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology; serving in an advisory function to the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, and Under Secretary of Defense (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) on matters relating to the acquisition, integration and protection of technology. From 2009 to 2011, he performed the duties of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Acquisition.
He has received numerous awards and recognition throughout his career, including multiple awards of the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Department’s highest non-valorous recognition, as well as the E. Richard "Dick" Alley Career Achievement Award, which is given to a federal employee whose long-term dedication and support of the AbilityOne Program is exemplary.
He was also inducted into the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) Hall of Fame in recognition of his service to the Department of Defense and the Defense Acquisition Workforce, and was a recipient of a Distinguished Presidential Rank Award.
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About the American Foundation for the Blind Founded in 1921, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) is a national nonprofit that creates a world of no limits for people who are blind or visually impaired. AFB mobilizes leaders, advances understanding, and champions impactful policies and practices using research and data. AFB is proud to steward the Helen Keller Archive, maintain and expand the digital collection, and honor the more than 40 years that Helen Keller worked tirelessly with AFB. Visit: www.afb.org
