President & CEO
Tennessee Society of Association Executives, Milwaukee, WI, United States
About Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired (IBVI)
Founded in 1948 with a simple but powerful vision—to create meaningful employment for a blind family member—IBVI has grown into one of the nation’s leading mission‑driven manufacturing and distribution enterprises dedicated to creating jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired. Today, more than 75% of direct labor on IBVI’s AbilityOne contracts is performed by individuals who are blind or visually impaired, reflecting the organization’s enduring commitment to purpose, dignity, and economic opportunity.
IBVI operates at the intersection of mission and enterprise. As both a nonprofit organization and a complex manufacturing and distribution business, IBVI delivers high‑quality industrial, office, and specialty products to government and military customers while providing accessible, purpose‑driven employment.
Where IBVI Is Today IBVI is a resilient, respected organization with strong operational capability and a deeply committed workforce. At the same time, it is entering anew chapter marked by:
The need for stronger strategic focus and long‑term vision
Revenue concentration in federal channels and a desire to diversify
Recent financial pressure and the need for improved accountability and performance alignment
An executive team ready for direction, cohesion, and leadership partnership
Growing external interest from potential business and industry partners
A culture rooted in respect, professionalism, service, and flexibility, now ready for transformation and modernization
IBVI seeks a leader who can honor its mission legacy while boldly reimagining its future.
Position Summary The President & CEO serves as the strategic, operational, and cultural leader of IBVI, reporting to the Board of Directors. This role champions innovative manufacturing and distribution practices, strengthens financial performance, and positions the organization for continued success in a rapidly evolving economic, technological, and regulatory environment.
The CEO is responsible for:
Defining and executing a bold, future‑oriented enterprise strategy
Leading a mission‑driven social enterprise organization of national scale
Driving financial sustainability and operational accountability
Expanding and diversifying revenue beyond traditional channels
Serving as IBVI’s primary ambassador to government, industry, and community partners
IBVI seeks a bold, charismatic, and confident leader—a career‑minded CEO with the gravitas to lead transformation, the business acumen to manage complexity, and the heart to steward a mission centered on opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Relocation assistance is provided. A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered, including performance‑based incentives.
Position Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Vision
Articulate and operationalize a compelling long‑term vision that aligns mission, manufacturing, distribution, and market opportunity
Lead development and execution of multi‑year strategic plans
Redefine and clearly communicate IBVI’s value proposition and “why”
Anticipate and respond to economic, political, regulatory, and technology trends impacting federal and commercial markets
Identify and evaluate opportunities for new product lines, technologies, and business models
Organizational & Operational Management
Oversee all manufacturing, distribution, and business operations
Ensure high standards of quality, efficiency, compliance, and safety
Create short‑ and long‑term sustainable goals in partnership with the executive team and Board
Align operational performance with strategic and financial objectives
Champion modernization, systems improvement, and data‑informed decision‑making
Ensure full compliance with AbilityOne and other federal requirements
Financial Stewardship & Performance Accountability
Strengthen financial performance and sustainable operating health
Provide disciplined financial oversight, focusing on budgeting, capital planning, cash flow, and performance management
Address structural deficits through revenue growth, cost discipline, and operational improvement
Partner closely with the Board Finance Committee and executive leadership
Foster an organization‑wide culture of accountability and results
Business Development, Diversification & Growth
Lead enterprise‑level business development strategy, including government and commercial markets
Build and maintain strong relationships with federal partners, military stakeholders, and industry leaders
Support long‑cycle government sales efforts while expanding commercial diversification
Leverage IBVI’s mission and manufacturing capabilities to unlock new markets
Maintain and grow momentum with visiting partners and external stakeholders
Leadership, Culture & Talent Development
Lead, develop, and align executive leadership team
Model integrity, professionalism, and transparency
Build trust through visible, engaged, and present leadership
Drive cultural transformation toward accountability, collaboration, and shared purpose
Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for employees who are blind or visually impaired
External Relations, Advocacy & Partnerships
Serve as IBVI’s primary spokesperson and external ambassador
Strengthen relationships with AbilityOne stakeholders, government agencies, and community partners
Build key local and national relationships
Elevate IBVI’s brand and credibility in both mission and enterprise arenas
Board Relations & Governance
Partner with the Board to align governance, strategy, and oversight
Provide clear, timely, and transparent communication
Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner
Support effective Board engagement in strategy, finance, and mission outcomes
Candidate Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
Minimum of 10 years of senior executive leadership experience within complex organizations, ideally within social enterprise and/or mission‑driven environments
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational transformation and cultural change
Proven success in enterprise strategy, business growth, and revenue diversification
Strong command of financial principles including budgeting, balance sheets, cash flow, capital planning, and performance management
In‑depth knowledge of manufacturing and/or distribution environments, including risk management, compliance, and regulatory requirements
Experience navigating federal funding environments and government stakeholders
Exceptional relationship‑building and partnership skills
Strong communicator with executive presence and credibility
High emotional intelligence and ability to unify diverse stakeholders
Ability to make tough decisions while maintaining trust
Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability
Willingness to travel approximately 20–22%
Unimpeachable integrity
The Batten Group, a national executive search and consulting firm specializing in nonprofit and mission‑based philanthropy has been retained by IBVI to conduct this search.
POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING The Batten Group and Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired are equal‑opportunity employers committed to the principles of non‑discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
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IBVI operates at the intersection of mission and enterprise. As both a nonprofit organization and a complex manufacturing and distribution business, IBVI delivers high‑quality industrial, office, and specialty products to government and military customers while providing accessible, purpose‑driven employment.
Where IBVI Is Today IBVI is a resilient, respected organization with strong operational capability and a deeply committed workforce. At the same time, it is entering anew chapter marked by:
The need for stronger strategic focus and long‑term vision
Revenue concentration in federal channels and a desire to diversify
Recent financial pressure and the need for improved accountability and performance alignment
An executive team ready for direction, cohesion, and leadership partnership
Growing external interest from potential business and industry partners
A culture rooted in respect, professionalism, service, and flexibility, now ready for transformation and modernization
IBVI seeks a leader who can honor its mission legacy while boldly reimagining its future.
Position Summary The President & CEO serves as the strategic, operational, and cultural leader of IBVI, reporting to the Board of Directors. This role champions innovative manufacturing and distribution practices, strengthens financial performance, and positions the organization for continued success in a rapidly evolving economic, technological, and regulatory environment.
The CEO is responsible for:
Defining and executing a bold, future‑oriented enterprise strategy
Leading a mission‑driven social enterprise organization of national scale
Driving financial sustainability and operational accountability
Expanding and diversifying revenue beyond traditional channels
Serving as IBVI’s primary ambassador to government, industry, and community partners
IBVI seeks a bold, charismatic, and confident leader—a career‑minded CEO with the gravitas to lead transformation, the business acumen to manage complexity, and the heart to steward a mission centered on opportunity for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Relocation assistance is provided. A competitive compensation and benefits package is offered, including performance‑based incentives.
Position Duties and Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Enterprise Vision
Articulate and operationalize a compelling long‑term vision that aligns mission, manufacturing, distribution, and market opportunity
Lead development and execution of multi‑year strategic plans
Redefine and clearly communicate IBVI’s value proposition and “why”
Anticipate and respond to economic, political, regulatory, and technology trends impacting federal and commercial markets
Identify and evaluate opportunities for new product lines, technologies, and business models
Organizational & Operational Management
Oversee all manufacturing, distribution, and business operations
Ensure high standards of quality, efficiency, compliance, and safety
Create short‑ and long‑term sustainable goals in partnership with the executive team and Board
Align operational performance with strategic and financial objectives
Champion modernization, systems improvement, and data‑informed decision‑making
Ensure full compliance with AbilityOne and other federal requirements
Financial Stewardship & Performance Accountability
Strengthen financial performance and sustainable operating health
Provide disciplined financial oversight, focusing on budgeting, capital planning, cash flow, and performance management
Address structural deficits through revenue growth, cost discipline, and operational improvement
Partner closely with the Board Finance Committee and executive leadership
Foster an organization‑wide culture of accountability and results
Business Development, Diversification & Growth
Lead enterprise‑level business development strategy, including government and commercial markets
Build and maintain strong relationships with federal partners, military stakeholders, and industry leaders
Support long‑cycle government sales efforts while expanding commercial diversification
Leverage IBVI’s mission and manufacturing capabilities to unlock new markets
Maintain and grow momentum with visiting partners and external stakeholders
Leadership, Culture & Talent Development
Lead, develop, and align executive leadership team
Model integrity, professionalism, and transparency
Build trust through visible, engaged, and present leadership
Drive cultural transformation toward accountability, collaboration, and shared purpose
Foster a culture of inclusion and belonging for employees who are blind or visually impaired
External Relations, Advocacy & Partnerships
Serve as IBVI’s primary spokesperson and external ambassador
Strengthen relationships with AbilityOne stakeholders, government agencies, and community partners
Build key local and national relationships
Elevate IBVI’s brand and credibility in both mission and enterprise arenas
Board Relations & Governance
Partner with the Board to align governance, strategy, and oversight
Provide clear, timely, and transparent communication
Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner
Support effective Board engagement in strategy, finance, and mission outcomes
Candidate Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
Minimum of 10 years of senior executive leadership experience within complex organizations, ideally within social enterprise and/or mission‑driven environments
Demonstrated ability to lead organizational transformation and cultural change
Proven success in enterprise strategy, business growth, and revenue diversification
Strong command of financial principles including budgeting, balance sheets, cash flow, capital planning, and performance management
In‑depth knowledge of manufacturing and/or distribution environments, including risk management, compliance, and regulatory requirements
Experience navigating federal funding environments and government stakeholders
Exceptional relationship‑building and partnership skills
Strong communicator with executive presence and credibility
High emotional intelligence and ability to unify diverse stakeholders
Ability to make tough decisions while maintaining trust
Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability
Willingness to travel approximately 20–22%
Unimpeachable integrity
The Batten Group, a national executive search and consulting firm specializing in nonprofit and mission‑based philanthropy has been retained by IBVI to conduct this search.
POLICY ON PLACEMENT AND RECRUITING The Batten Group and Industries for the Blind and Visually Impaired are equal‑opportunity employers committed to the principles of non‑discrimination in the workplace. Candidates will not be discriminated against on the basis of age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law.
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