Shining a Light on Excellence: Meet Our 2025 MVP Award Winners!

At The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc., we believe in celebrating the incredible people who power our mission every single day. That’s why we’re excited to unveil the 2025 MVP Award winners—an inspiring group of team members who go above and beyond to make a difference in our workplaces, our communities, and in the lives of others.

This year, nominations came in from across the country, recognizing employees at every level for their leadership, integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to our mission. From frontline workers to support staff, each nominee reminded us why the Lighthouse is such a special place.

What is the MVP Award?
The MVP Award honors employees who consistently demonstrate exceptional performance and live out the values of the Lighthouse—leadership, compassion, excellence, and empowerment. It’s one of the highest forms of recognition across our organization.

Celebrating Our 2025 MVPs
We’re proud to honor 16 outstanding individuals with this year’s award. Each winner receives a $150 bonus, an MVP certificate, and a limited-edition MVP T-shirt to mark the occasion.

President and CEO George Abbott announced the winners during a special presentation event at our Seattle campus, celebrating not just their achievements—but the spirit of excellence they bring to everything they do.

And now, let’s meet our 2025 MVPs!

Seattle

Ron Beigh, Division Manager Aerospace

Ghirmatsion Gebeye, Production Worker I Defense

Michelle Denzer, Production Worker II Defense

Mike Beeksmam, CNC Machinist III Aerospace

Darryl Roberts, Front Office Assistant

Steve Harrison, Contract Administrator II

Dr. Anna Shagas, Optometrist, Low Vision

Michael Walker, Production Worker II Defense

Fatima Mustafic, Production Worker II Defense

Jennifer Hess, Support Services Coordinator

Summerville

Sharon Dunbar, Production Worker SMV

AbilityOne Base Supply Centers

Eline Pouesi, Special Projects Manager BSC

Leo Paasch, Buyer BSC

INL

Di Black, Computer and Technology Skills Supervisor

Barbara King, Control Clerk Shipping SPO

 Timothy Scharff, Production Worker l SPO

Please join us in celebrating these MVPs—not just for what they do, but for how they do it: with heart, skill, and a deep commitment to making a difference.