Leadership Transition at The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc.

After five and a half successful years at the helm, George Abbott will be stepping down from his role as President and CEO of The Lighthouse for the Blind, Inc. George’s tenure has been marked by steady leadership during an extraordinary period of global disruption and organizational growth. From navigating the COVID-19 pandemic to overcoming complex supply chain challenges, George has helped guide the Lighthouse with integrity, innovation, and a deep commitment to our mission of empowering people who are blind, DeafBlind, and blind with other disabilities.

We are deeply grateful to George for his vision and contributions. His leadership leaves a strong foundation on which we will continue to build.

Effective immediately, Pat O’Hara will serve as Interim President and CEO. Pat has been a member of the Lighthouse team since 2005 and has served as Chief Operating Officer since 2019. His long-standing commitment to the organization, operational expertise, and deep understanding of our community make him exceptionally well-positioned to lead during this period of transition. The Board of Trustees will be reviewing internal talent and options for leadership but has not begun a formal selection process at this time.

Supporting Pat during this transition is Shawn Dobbs, Senior Vice President of Administration, who has been with the Lighthouse since 2012. Shawn will take on expanded responsibilities during this time and will play an instrumental role in ensuring continuity and organizational stability. With his broad experience across administrative functions and a strong track record of leadership, Shawn’s involvement will help ensure that the Lighthouse remains focused on its strategic goals and daily operations alike.

As we move through this transition, we remain as committed as ever to our mission and to the community we serve. The strength of the Lighthouse lies in the passion, talent, and dedication of its people — and we are confident in the leadership team’s ability to guide us into this next chapter with care and clarity.

We thank George for his lasting impact and extend our full support to Pat and Shawn as they lead us forward.