Braille Institute of America Announces Appointment of President Peter A. Mindnich

LOS ANGELES, Jan. 23, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Braille Institute of America, Inc., announced today the appointment of Peter A. Mindnich, MSW, MBA, to the role of President of the 95-year-old blind service organization, effective March 15, 2014. Mr. Mindnich joined Braille Institute as Executive Vice-President in 2011. He will be the sixth person to lead the 95-year-old organization.

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"Since its founding in 1919 Braille Institute has been a leader and innovator in the provision of services for blind and visually impaired people of all ages.  It's an honor to serve those who use our programs and to work with the Braille Institute employees, volunteers, Board members and donors as we further extend the important mission of Braille Institute both regionally and nationally," said Mr. Mindnich.

Mr. Mindnich holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Southern California (USC). He brings with him a broad and complementary set of educational and professional skills and experiences from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. His career has spanned more than 30 years in the financial services industry, and includes high-profile roles as Managing Director in the Investment Banking and Investment Management divisions of Goldman, Sachs & Company, among others. During his time as Executive Vice President, Mr. Mindnich has overseen the rollout of the Braille Institute's new strategic plan, as well as the expansion of the organization's presence in Southern California.

He succeeds current President Leslie E. Stocker, who is retiring after more than 35 years of distinguished service and a tenure that has seen the growth and expansion of the organizations' mission, service area and national presence.

"All of us in the leadership of our organization are most confident in the dimension Peter Mindnich brings to us.  His unique perspectives, experience and fresh insights will add greatly to our executive leadership team now and on into the future," said Mr. Stocker.

A California native, Les Stocker began his career at Braille Institute in 1979 as Director of Development and was promoted to Assistant Executive Director in 1984, before becoming President in 1995. Throughout his career, Mr. Stocker has been a leader in the blindness services field, greatly expanding access to free services for blind and visually impaired people across Southern California and beyond.

His tenure has included the creation of the only national academic competition in the country designed specifically for blind children—The Braille Challenge®, as well as several other national and regional programs. He has also overseen the rollout of several capital campaigns and the construction of three new facilities in Rancho Mirage, San Diego and Santa Barbara as well as expansion of facilities in Los Angeles and Orange County,

Braille Institute is a private, nonprofit organization whose mission is to eliminate barriers to a fulfilling life caused by blindness and severe sight loss. Through educational training, programs and services, Braille Institute helps tens of thousands of people each year regain and maintain their independence. Thanks to generous donations, Braille Institute services are available free of charge. More information can be found at www.brailleinstitute.org.

SOURCE Braille Institute of America