American Foundation for the Blind Welcomes New Chair to its National Board

NEW YORK, Oct. 30, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)—one of the nation's oldest organizations devoted to expanding possibilities for people with vision loss—today announced the election of a new board chair, Larry B. Kimbler, of Dallas, Texas, at its October 2013 Board of Trustees meeting. Mr. Kimbler succeeds Concetta F. Conkling, who has served as board chair since 2009. Ms. Conkling will continue to sit on the AFB Board of Trustees.

"Larry is an outstanding leader who brings to the job experience, energy and a true passion for our mission—I am thrilled to welcome him as Chair," said Carl R. Augusto, president and CEO of AFB. "Larry dreams big and goes after what he believes in. I have no doubt that under his chairmanship, AFB will continue to change the lives of millions of individuals with vision loss and their families."

Mr. Kimbler is a Certified Public Accountant and a retired Senior Executive at the Staubach Company who has served in senior leadership roles at large companies, including GTE Corporation and International Paper.

Mr. Kimbler is also a longtime friend of AFB. Nearly two decades ago, Mr. Kimbler and his wife, Susy, were introduced to AFB through a friend whose daughter was blind. Watching her mature into a productive and independent adult with the support of her family and AFB provided the inspiration for them to become involved.

Since then, the Kimblers have played an instrumental role in the growth and development of AFB. This includes spearheading the campaign to establish the AFB Center on Vision Loss in Dallas, a unique information and demonstration facility dedicated to helping people live full and independent lives.

Mr. Kimbler is a two-time member of the AFB Board of Trustees, having recently returned for a second term following a three year absence. He is also Chairman Emeritus of the AFB Center on Vision Loss.

The Kimblers have lived in Dallas since 1991. They have two daughters, Beth and Carolyn, as well as two grandchildren, Taylor and Andrew.

About AFB
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.

SOURCE American Foundation for the Blind