The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (WCB&VI) is pleased to announce the selection of a new Executive Director.  Loretta A. Himmelsbach, of Oregon, WI, was invited to accept the top leadership position after a national search.  She succeeds Karen Majkrzak, who will retire in August.  Loretta is only the 6th Executive Director of the organization since it was founded in 1952.

“She has excellent credentials including organizational development and management expertise which she brings through her professional experiences to the leadership post of our Council,” said Chris Zenchenko, president of the WCB&VI.  “We are very confident she has the skills and determination to meet the challenges of the future,” he added.

Loretta Himmelsbach brings more than twenty-six years executive management experience in non-profit organizations to the Council. She served as CEO of the Girl Scouts of Black Hawk Council in Madison, WI, where she was recognized nationally with the Francis Hesselbein Award of Excellence, and is an active member of the Downtown Rotary Club in Madison. A graduate of Bradley University in Illinois, she has extensive graduate certificates from Harvard Business School, Yale University, and the Wharton School of Business in leadership development and nonprofit management. Loretta demonstrates successful community collaboration skills which will enhance the Council’s mission and vision.

Loretta has personal family experience related to the vision impairment of her brothers and her late father and is committed to working with the Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired as it continues and expands its excellent service to Wisconsin residents who would benefit from the wide range of services the Council offers.

The Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired is a private, non-profit agency. Its mission is to promote the dignity and independence of people in Wisconsin who are blind and visually impaired by providing services, advocating legislation and educating the general public. It is completely funded by an annual drive, private grants and bequests. The Council, founded in 1952, is celebrating its 58th year of providing programs and services to Wisconsin residents.

Thanks to Council member Rhonda Staats for submitting this article.

Anyone who reads or listens to the news regularly knows that, from time to time, issues arise about which you would like to contact a lawmaker to express an opinion or champion a cause.  Do you write a letter, send an e-mail, or make a phone call, or do you decide that someone more important or knowledgeable than you will be contacting that lawmaker to express your point of view?

Freshman civics class taught us that legislators are sent to the state or federal capital to do the people’s business, and they work for us. Consequently, they welcome our input and encourage contact from constituents.  In my experience, legislators encourage contact from voters, and they do their best to respond to and/or express their appreciation that you care about an issue enough to take the time to get in touch. Everyone has the right to contact his/her local, state, or federal lawmakers, and it is surprisingly easy to do. (more…)