Nonprofits | Philanthropy 2023: KEVIN A. LYNCH

The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) plays a critical role in enhancing the independence of people who are blind by offering career training and connecting them to employment opportunities.

Lynch has worked for the NIB and its associated agencies since 1994, serving as president and CEO since 2008. He was instrumental in initiating NSITE, a resource for connecting employers to qualified job seekers who are blind or visually impaired, as well as veterans.

In 2022, the institute launched NSITE-U, providing a centralized hub for professional training, online and asynchronous courses, group training programs and networking opportunities. Last year, 316 people accessed training, and 44 started new careers, according to the institute. Overall, the institute and its associated agencies employed 5,105 people who are blind and 506 veterans in fiscal year 2022.

Prior to joining NIB, Lynch served as executive director of Georgia Industries for the Blind, and previously served as director of manufacturing for the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Greater Rochester, New York (now Goodwill Vision Enterprises). He serves on the board for the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind.