The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. is excited to announce two new exceptional additions to our Board of Trustees, John Craddock and Lachelle Smith. Their impressive backgrounds, dedication to their communities, and passion for making a positive impact on the lives of people with disabilities make them invaluable assets to our mission. Let’s take a closer look at our new board members and how they are poised to contribute to our vision of a brighter future for all.
Meet John Craddock: A Financial Expert with a Heart for Community
John Craddock brings a wealth of financial expertise and a deep commitment to community service. As the Market Executive for the Greater Seattle and Eastern Washington Business Banking team at Bank of America, he leads a team of professional bankers providing top-tier credit and treasury solutions to Business Banking clients and prospects. In addition, John is the Executive Sponsor of the Greater Seattle Disability Action Network at Bank of America.
John’s journey with Bank of America began in 1991, and his career has taken him from Financial Center Manager to Senior Credit Underwriter and Treasury Management Officer before reaching his current role as Market Executive. His educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Finance from Western Washington University, and a Master of Business Administration from Washington State University.
Beyond his professional achievements, John is deeply involved in his community, serving as the School Commission President and currently as a Finance Committee Chair at his children’s school. As the Executive Sponsor for the Seattle Chapter of the Disability Advocacy Network, he advocates for awareness and support of those impacted by disabilities. John’s dedication to his community and passion for the disability cause make him an exceptional addition to our board.
Meet Lachelle Smith: A Champion for Inclusion and Empowerment
Lachelle Smith is an educator and advocate with over two decades of experience. As the Program Director and Associate Professor of the Personnel Preparation Program in Vision Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) at Salus University, Lachelle plays a crucial role in shaping the future of professionals working with visually impaired individuals.
Her career spans roles in education, rehabilitation practice, and advocacy, making her a recognized leader and expert in the field of VRT. Lachelle’s commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities extends to her private practice, InSight VRS, which provides essential training and consulting services to consumers and administrators of agencies serving individuals with disabilities.
In addition to her professional work, Lachelle is the Founder and President of Blind Blessings, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of those with disabilities and helping them live independently. She has received the Charlyn Allen Award for Excellence in Leadership in the VRT profession, recognizing her outstanding contributions.
Lachelle’s influence reaches both nationally and internationally as she consults with agencies and organizations, aiding in the development of professional standards, certification exams, curriculum, and training programs for the disability community. Her advocacy and commitment to eliminating barriers for individuals with disabilities are at the core of her life’s work.
A Brighter Future with John and Lachelle on Board
The addition of John Craddock and Lachelle Smith to The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. Board of Trustees represents a significant step toward a brighter, more inclusive future for our organization. Their expertise, community involvement, and unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals with disabilities align perfectly with our mission.
We welcome John and Lachelle with open arms and look forward to their contributions as we continue to serve and empower people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities.
Learn more about joining our Board of Trustees >>
We’re Leaders in Blind Employment – View Our Open Positions and Apply Today!
The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. transforms the lives of people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities. We are leaders in blind employment. Through employment opportunities, we are a catalyst for empowerment. We foster self-confidence and instill a life changing affirmation that independence is possible. From our expertise in cutting-edge technology to our understanding of mobility, we help people who are blind, Deafblind, and blind with other disabilities live fulfilling lives.
