Welcome from the Officers and Board of Directors

Officers

President, Jamie K. Richey, Lincoln, NE
First Vice President, Christine Boone, Lincoln, NE
Second Vice President, Bob Burns, Omaha, NE
Secretary, Linda Mentink, Columbus, NE
Treasurer, Cheryl Livingston, Lincoln, NE

Members of the Board of Directors

Nancy Coffman, Lincoln, NE
Benjamin Grelk, Papillion, NE
Lucas Griess, Atkinson, NE
Leah Johnson, Omaha, NE
Geralyn K. Konruff, Chappell, NE
Karen Lemmon, Whitney, NE

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Belief Message

The National Federation of the Blind advances the lives of its members and all blind people in the United States. We know that blindness is not the characteristic that defines you or your future. Every day we raise the expectations of blind people, because low expectations create obstacles between blind people and our dreams. Our collective power, determination, and diversity achieve the aspirations of all blind people.

Core Values

• Believe in blind people
• Lead courageously
• Champion collective action
• Foster inclusion
• Dream big

Pledge

I pledge to participate actively in the efforts of the National Federation of the Blind to achieve equality, opportunity, and security for the blind; to support the policies and programs of the Federation; and to abide by its constitution.

Honored Guests

Anil Lewis, Executive Director of Blindness Initiatives, National Federation of the Blind

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Anil was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa at age nine but did not become totally blind until age twenty-five while completing his degree at Georgia State University. After losing his sight, he committed himself to mastering the alternative skills of blindness and used those skills to complete his Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems in 1993. He later earned a Master of Public Administration with an emphasis in Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation. In 2002, he received the Kenneth Jernigan Memorial Scholarship, the highest scholarship awarded by the National Federation of the Blind and its most prestigious recognition of a blind scholar.

Anil first became involved with the National Federation of the Blind in 1995 after seeking guidance on Social Security work incentives and employment strategies. Attending his first national convention transformed his understanding of blindness and the power of collective action. He has often said that his success in helping blind people achieve meaningful employment came from incorporating Federation philosophy into his work.

Before joining the staff of the National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute in 2010, Anil worked as a Braille and assistive technology instructor, job placement specialist, disability consultant, and Client Assistance Program advocate. He managed employment initiatives during the 1996 Atlanta Olympic and Paralympic Games and developed programs focused on expanding competitive employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Within the Federation, Anil served as president of the Atlanta Metropolitan Chapter and later as president of the National Federation of the Blind of Georgia. He was elected to the National Federation of the Blind Board of Directors in 2003 and served until 2010, when he joined the national staff. Over the years he has held key leadership roles, including Director of Advocacy and Policy and Director of Strategic Communications. He led the Federation's efforts to repeal Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act and coordinated communications for the Blind Driver Challenge™, demonstrating the Federation's commitment to innovation, equality, and high expectations.

His leadership extends beyond the Federation. Anil has served on numerous state and national boards, including the Georgia Statewide Independent Living Council, the Maryland Statewide Rehabilitation Council, and the U.S. AbilityOne Commission, of which President Barack Obama appointed him. Across all of these roles, his focus has remained clear: policies that affect people with disabilities must be shaped by people with disabilities.

Today, as Executive Director of Blindness Initiatives for the National Federation of the Blind, Anil leads the creation, development, and replication of innovative programs across our nationwide network of affiliates, advancing education, employment, and independence for blind people throughout the country.

Anil often says that his proudest accomplishment is his son, Amari. Balancing the responsibilities of national leadership with the demands and joys of fatherhood has been one of his greatest challenges and greatest blessings. He believes his most important contribution has been encouraging blind people to believe in themselves and to understand that blindness does not define or limit their potential.

Anil previously joined us in Nebraska in 2006 and again in 2017. We are excited to welcome him back for his third Nebraska state convention.

Nikhil Dadlani, Secretary, National Association of Blind Students

Nikki is a recent graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, where he earned a degree in Political Science. Based in Millbrae, California, he is currently preparing for law school by studying for the LSAT and seeking opportunities to gain additional experience in the legal field.

Following the 2023 Washington Seminar, Nikki became deeply inspired by the National Association of Blind Students and its commitment to excellence, community, and continuous growth. He is passionate about helping ensure that blind students have access to the opportunities, resources, and support they need to succeed and looks forward to contributing to that work.

In his free time, Nikki enjoys keeping up with current events, reading Supreme Court cases, and exploring topics like the separation of powers. He also enjoys traveling and discovering new cities and neighborhoods.

Karen Anderson, Coordinator of Education Programs, National Federation of the Blind

Karen grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and was introduced to the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska through the Work and Gain Experience in the Summer (WAGES) program sponsored by the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. That early experience helped shape her belief in the power of high expectations and the importance of community.

She was recognized for her academic achievement and leadership as a recipient of the National Federation of the Blind of Nebraska state scholarship in 2006 and went on to receive a national Federation scholarship in 2007. These experiences further strengthened her commitment to the organized blind movement.

In 2015, Karen relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, to join the staff of the National Federation of the Blind. Through her leadership in national education initiatives, Karen works to expand access to braille literacy and ensure that blind students have the tools and skills needed to succeed academically and in life.

She remains actively involved in the Maryland affiliate and continues to contribute to the Federation's mission at both the national and local levels.

In her free time, Karen enjoys knitting, reading, and spending time with her toy poodle, Rami.

Aaron Golub, Entrepreneur, Consultant, and International Speaker

Known for inspiring audiences to rethink limitations and create meaningful change, Aaron delivers high-impact presentations that challenge assumptions and drive personal and organizational growth. Through keynote presentations, workshops, and consulting, he works with organizations and teams to strengthen leadership, build resilience, and create lasting results. He has delivered presentations for Fortune 500 companies, professional sports organizations, and leading universities across the country.

Aaron made history as the first blind Division I athlete to play in a game, serving as a team captain at Tulane University before pursuing opportunities in the NFL as a free agent. His groundbreaking achievements on the football field brought national attention to his story, including features on major media outlets such as Good Morning America.

Since the age of seventeen, Aaron has traveled extensively, sharing his experiences and helping others reframe adversity as opportunity. His work focuses on building grit, determination, and intentional effort, empowering individuals to act, overcome challenges, and reach their full potential.

Rather than simply delivering a keynote, Aaron partners with organizations to create lasting impact, ensuring that ideas translate into meaningful growth and long-term success.

Convention Details

Registration

All convention attendees must register. Registration provides access to the convention room rate and eligibility for door prizes. If you are pre-registered, please visit the registration area to pick up your packet. If you have not yet registered, you may do so onsite for a $30.00 fee. Please note: Meal tickets will NOT be available for purchase onsite. Registration times will be strictly followed to ensure our members can fully participate in convention activities. Refer to the agenda for registration times and locations.

Information Table

Located between Ballroom I and Ballroom II, the Information Table is your go-to spot for assistance. Federationists will be available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the convention. This table will also serve as the lost and found, so be sure to check here for any misplaced items.

Assistive Listening Devices

An FM transmitter system is available for those who need assistance. Visit the information table for details.

Guide Dog Relief Areas

The dog relief areas are located in three grassy areas outside the hotel. Trash receptacles are available near each entrance.

Front Entrance: A grassy area is located straight out from the front entrance beyond the parking lot.

Entrance G, Near Loper Hall: When exiting, the sidewalk will immediately turn to the right. Turn right and the grassy area will be on your left.

South Side of the Hotel: Use Entrance B, located in the middle of the south wing of the hotel, or Entrance C on the southwest corner of the hotel. From either entrance, cross the parking lot to the curb. The grassy area will be just beyond the sidewalk.

Please be courteous and pick up any waste and dispose of it in the trash receptacles provided.

Door Prizes

A variety of door prizes will be drawn during each general session and at the banquet. Attendees must be registered for the convention to be eligible for a door prize and must be present to win. Drop off all door prize donations, clearly labeled in print and braille, in the registration area during the assigned registration times.