President and CEO Cindy Watson
The Lighthouse Board of Trustees announced today that the President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. will be filled by Lighthouse Senior Vice President Cindy Watson. Ms.Watson will take over the leadership role effective April 15, 2019.
Ms. Watson joined the Lighthouse last year as it celebrated its 100thyear in operation, after a nationwide search. Since 1918, The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. has been empowering people who are blind through employment. Ms. Watson has dedicated her 19-year career to a mission of creating opportunities for people who are blind. She has eleven years of AbilityOne Program experience with eight additional years in vocational rehabilitation.
Cindy Watson History
Ms. Watson earned her undergraduate degree and MBA from the University of Houston Clear Lake and a Certificate in Management from the University of Virginia, Darden Graduate School of Business. She was also a fellow at the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) and provided teaching, counseling, and employment assistance for the Texas Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services — Blind Division. Previous to her work in Texas, Ms. Watson worked at IFB Solutions (formerly Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind) as their Director of Contract Services. She also led the American Foundation for the Blind’s (AFB) Center on Vision Loss and Web Programs in Dallas. Prior to joining the Lighthouse in Washington State last year, Ms.Watson was the Vice President of Services at Dallas Lighthouse for the Blind.
In her role as a Lighthouse Senior Vice President, Ms. Watson led efforts in strategic planning, provided oversight to each of the key departments at the Lighthouse, and contributed her many years of expertise to the full range of Lighthouse operations.
Looking Ahead
“As the Lighthouse enters into the next 100 years, I am honored to lead this inspiring organization. In partnership with our Board of Trustees and dedicated staff, we strive to become the employer of choice for people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities in the United States. Employment equals empowerment; that is why we create diverse, sustainable, and meaningful job opportunities,”said Cindy Watson.
The Lighthouse was very committed to finding an experienced professional who is blind for this position and chose Ms. Watson because she will bring strong focus to the Lighthouse during this next decade, by supporting and implementing our new strategic plan, with the goal of empowering people who are blind by creating sustainable and meaningful jobs.
“The Lighthouse Board of Trustees is thrilled to promote Cindy Watson to President and CEO and looks forward to continued growth in the Lighthouse mission of empowering people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities under her inspirational leadership” said Katherine Beck, Board Chair.
Contact: Melanie Wimmenauer
Vice President of Communications and Retail/Service Business
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.
Phone: (206) 436-2223
Email: mwimmenauer@LHBlind.org
