UTICA, N.Y. – VisionServe Alliance is honored to bestow the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award to Don LoGuidice, who served as an exceptional leader in the blindness and vision impairment (BVI) field, distinguishing himself through his creativity, determination, and dedication to improving the lives of the people who are blind or visually impaired.
LoGuidice was the CEO of the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI) for decades, expanding the organization’s staff and budget exponentially during his time there.
LoGuidice joined CABVI in 1969 and served for almost 39 years, retiring in 2008. During his time at CABVI, he helped develop and professionalize vision services.
While he was executive director, CABVI acquired 507 Kent Street as a donation from General Electric in 1979, Bleecker Street from the City of Utica in 1997, and the Kenneth Thayer Production & Distribution Center from a variety of economic development agencies in 2006.
CABVI also opened Base Supply Stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Maine during his tenure.
“Don’s leadership and vision paved the way for much of the success we enjoy today at CABVI,” said Ed Welsh, current president and CEO of CABVI.
LoGuidice was also a founding member of VisionServe Alliance and held positions with the New Jersey State Commission for the Blind and the New Hampshire Association for the Blind.
“Don is a giant in this field,” said Lee Nasehi, president and CEO of VisionServe Alliance. “He created an amazing legacy at CABVI, and many of our current leaders credit him with encouraging and mentoring their careers in service to people who are blind and have low vision. He is a visionary who believed in Networking Leadership before it even had a name and built a strong foundation for all who have followed him.”
VisionServe Alliance extends its deepest gratitude for LoGuidice’s tireless support for people who are blind or have low vision.