Governance
The NIB Board of Directors provides governance and oversight for the organization. Consistent with our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws, the NIB Board determines the Corporation's mission and purpose, selects and evaluates the performance of the President and Chief Executive Officer, sets strategic direction, oversees finances, approves and monitors the programs and services, and assesses its own performance as the governing body of the Corporation.
The Board consists of 20 members, 10 of whom are the chief administrators of agencies associated with NIB. The remaining 10 members are executives or leaders from the private sector, who by virtue of their experiences, achievements or other qualifications in the business, academic or disability world lend their time and expertise to the organization. Of the 10 directors who are chief administrators of associated agencies, two represent the National Association for the Employment of People Who Are Blind (NAEPB) – the President and one additional NAEPB officer or director.
Our governance structure enables the Board to stay in touch with the needs of our associated agencies, while also having the benefit of broader perspectives, skills and experiences from outside the NIB family. To avoid any potential conflicts of interest, directors from the private sector comprise the officers of the Corporation, and the Board consistently follows a Conflict of Interest Policy that is contained within its Code of Business Ethics and Conduct.
The Board meets in open session three times a year and operates under a number of key policies including: code of business ethics and conflict; investment and reserves policies; and other financial, employment and operational policies. The Executive Committee of the Board of Directors, composed of the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer, NAEPB President, and two additional agency representatives, meets in between meetings of the Board of Directors. The Board also conducts its work through several standing and special committees, some of which are: Audit, Board Development, Budget, Ethics, Investment, Performance Management and Strategic Planning.
The NIB Board of Directors regularly reviews financial statements, business plans, policies of the organization, and activity reports to ensure alignment with the mission, strategic direction, budget and goals of NIB, as well as compliance with all applicable federal, state and local laws and other regulations. In conducting its business, the Board seeks to apply best governance practices in carrying out its responsibilities and to lead our associated agencies by demonstrating these practices.
Our financial statements are summarized and published each year in our Annual Report.
Our Values
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We are committed to maintaining the highest level of trust and integrity while conducting business with individuals, organizations, private industry and government.
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We are committed to conducting business lawfully and ethically with all people who are blind, employees, associated industries, customers and suppliers.
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Aprimary goal of NIB and our associated agencies is to enhance the opportunities for personal and economic independence of people who are blind. We seek to achieve excellence in delivery of service and provision of access, both physical and programmatic.
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We are accountable for all our decisions and actions.
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We are committed to providing excellent quality, value, competitive prices and superior service to all our customers who use products and services made and/or provided by people who are blind.
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We are committed to recognizing the changing needs and preferences of our customers.