DAVE SASSCER, Chairman

Dave has two professional lives. One as a veteran Mechanical Engineer and real estate Project Manager. Another as a singer/songwriter with a long resume of professional appearances, including those on TV, film and radio. Dave holds an MBA from Columbia University in International Business.

ANTHONY LIBERATORE, Treasurer

Anthony is currently Founder and President of HipShake Music which is a music production, development and management company. Previously he spent 20 years in International Banking. Anthony holds an MBA with a concentration in Finance from the Stern School of Business at New York University. He is also an active musician and plays guitar and sings in a variety of projects including The Complete Unknowns – which celebrates the words and music of Bob Dylan.

RICK BLAND, Secretary

Rick is the founder and CEO of New York City Industries for the Blind (NYCIB). Under his leadership, NYCIB has achieved annual sales of $13.7 million and almost 200 people. Prior to this position, Bland was a Vice President at Lighthouse International.

STEVE PATTERSON

Steve is the past president of the National Association for the Employment of People who are Blind (NAEPB), a board member for the National Industries for the Blind (NIB), and CEO for 20 years at the Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind (SFB), where he increased the organization’s sales from $500K to $35MM.

MARK ACKERMANN

CEO of Lighthouse International, Mark has more than thirty years experience in non-profit management. His background includes senior management positions in healthcare and educational institutions. Founded in 1905, the Lighthouse is the international leader in the provision of clinical care, rehabilitative services, cutting-edge research, and education for individuals who are blind or are affected by low vision. With a $30 million budget and an endowment of more than $50 million, Lighthouse is poised for significant growth over the next decade.

JOE SALVATTO

Joe designs audio recording environments for prestigious clients such as The Grammy Awards, Billy Joel and others.

GREGG RAYBIN

Gregg is a former corporate attorney and a talented musician. He now runs The Jam NYC, a performance facility and membership club for urban professionals with musical performance talent.

MICHELE MAURO

Michele is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist with full-time private practice in New York City. She specializes in communication, relationship, parenting, sexuality and bereavement related issues.