The Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired names Plotner as new Executive Director
June 21, 2016
CHARLESTON, SC – On the 80th anniversary of the Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired – Charleston (ABVI), the Board of Directors announced the selection of Courtney Parades Plotner as Executive Director. The appointment comes with the Board’s confidence that Courtney will continue to be a steward of ABVI’s mission and an advocate for the blind and visually impaired. Courtney joined ABVI in December of 2012 as Director of Programs, and in that role she continued to develop and foster the services offered by ABVI through its programs.
Mary Morrison, who retired from her post as Executive Director in April, and who has been mentoring Courtney for the position since October, said “I have enjoyed watching Courtney develop in her roles at ABVI, and I’m more than confident of Courtney’s ability to take ABVI to even greater heights.”
Mary worked tirelessly as the Executive Director and helped shape the Association to become the successful nonprofit it is today. Mary was also instrumental in the development of ABVI’s newest program, Own Your Life. Mary and Courtney listened to our clients’ wants and needs regarding the services provided and they collaborated to create Own Your Life; the new program designed to champion ABVI’s clients by enriching their lives and helping them become more independent.
Own Your Life helps blind and visually impaired individuals gain independence in their personal lives and develop skills to gain employment. This program has two tracks ABVI clients can pursue based on their individual goals: Personal Enrichment and Employee Development. Recently, all 10 clients in the pilot program of the Employee Development track were offered jobs at the Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind facility in Summerville, SC making aerospace parts for Boeing Corporation and hydration packs for the military. This is an impressive accomplishment for both the clients and ABVI staff. These positive results reflect the impact our new program is already having in the community. Courtney is also reaching out to other employers in the Tri-County area for additional job opportunities for ABVI’s clients.
The Board is thrilled to work with Courtney and the entire ABVI staff during this exciting time for the Association. Everyone is eager to see what great things the future holds for all of ABVI’s Own Your Life participants.
