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The Board of Directors at the Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CCBVI) announce the following leadership changes effective October 7, 2021.

The Board has accepted the resignation of CCBVI Executive Director, Michelle Galvan and names Ms. Elsie Hirata, current Director of Client Services for CCBVI as the interim executive director.

“The Board wants to personally thank Michelle Galvan for her excellent leadership as Executive Director these last 7 years. Her contributions to the organization have been consistently outstanding, especially through the COVID19 pandemic. Although the board is sad to see her leave us, we wish her much success and are excited for her new opportunity. Michelle has built a strong and cohesive team at CCBVI including a strong career management program allowing the Board to name Ms. Elsie Hirata, current Director of Client Services as Interim Executive Director. Ms. Hirata’s knowledge of CCBVI operations coupled with her master’s degree and strong business acumen, ensures a smooth transition for CCBVI operations.”

CCBVI’s Board and Ms. Hirata continue to be dedicated to the mission of CCBVI, which is to provide the means by which people who are blind or visually impaired can improve and sustain their capabilities to re-establish purpose and self-esteem in their lives and in society, and while leading independent lives.

For more information on this notice, contact board@communitycenterfortheblind.org.  

About Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Community Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CCBVI) has provided services to the community for more than 72 years. Mrs. Myrtle Stephens Clark, a San Joaquin County welfare worker for the blind, planted the seeds around 1944. She realized most people with visual impairments had nothing to do. Families and friends often waited on those who lived with them and smothered them with kindness; those who resided in boarding houses or hotels just seemed to mark time. Rehabilitation of younger people who became blind as adults was difficult due to few employment opportunities. The filed set of by-laws and Articles of Incorporation for the nonprofit became active on May 13, 1949.

Today, CCBVI is the only agency in San Joaquin County that provides specialized services to people of all ages whose vision impairments impede their ability to perform tasks of daily living. The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) certified CCBVI as a Community Rehabilitation Program (CRP) provider in 1978; CCBVI has passed the rigorous biennial audits to maintain certification since then.