Today, the Center for the Visually Impaired (CVI) announces the hiring of Lisa Kennedy, ACFRE as the organization’s new president and chief executive officer. Kennedy brings to her new role significant experience in organizational management, human services, and development and fundraising. She has served as the interim president of CVI since the previous president and CEO, Fontaine Huey, retired in March 2020. 

CVI is a comprehensive, fully accredited nonprofit organization providing rehabilitation services for individuals who are blind and visually impaired in Georgia and serves all ages and all levels of vision loss.

Kennedy first began working with CVI as a development and fundraising consultant. She assumed the role of interim president at a time when CVI was challenged, both by the pandemic and the broader evolution of the environment in which we operate, to reimagine every aspect of its structure and operations. She has deftly managed CVI’s transition to remote services with the onset of the pandemic restrictions and the entire CVI organization has been energized and inspired by her leadership, passion and deep commitment to the mission of CVI. 

“Under her leadership, CVI’s program managers and staff have risen to the challenge of meeting the needs of people impacted by blindness and vision loss in innovative ways,” said Andy Kauss, CVI’s Board of Trustees Chairman. “In a very short time, she has established procedures and metrics that better align CVI’s service delivery model with the needs of our clients while simultaneously initiating the essential strategic thinking that will define our future. She has clearly demonstrated the leadership qualifications and abilities to lead CVI and we are thrilled to have her at the helm.”

Prior to joining CVI, Kennedy worked as a development and strategic planning consultant with Haas Consulting.  In addition, she spent almost a decade with Bobby Dodd Institute as chief advancement officer. Kennedy’s experience includes directing campaigns for capital and capacity investments and leading strategic planning, staff and board development programs, and marketing and communications initiatives. She has a proven track record in nonprofit leadership and management including mission-based social enterprise, CEO transitions, and nonprofit mergers and integrations. 

“It is an honor to lead CVI in its next chapter,” said Kennedy. “CVI has a proud legacy of almost 60 years supporting people of all ages who are experiencing blindness and vision loss. I am inspired and energized by the commitment of CVI’s board, staff and generous supporters to expand our mission and the difference we can make for families.”