On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Cleveland Society for the Blind, Board Chair Bill Spring announced today CSC’s new President and Executive Director, Lawrence E. Benders. Larry will be the 10^th Executive Director in CSC’s storied 109-year history.

“Cleveland Sight Center has a century-old reputation in the community for service delivery and advocacy. I’m honored by this opportunity and look forward to working with Steve Friedman, Cleveland Sight Center’s staff, volunteers and board to help our clients achieve their full potential in life,” said Larry Benders.

On April 27^th, 2015, Larry Benders will succeed outgoing President and Executive Director Steven Friedman, PhD, who last summer announced to the Board his intention to retire. Steve has made a significant impact over his seven years, leading the agency to a successful conclusion of the Vision 21 Capital Campaign and overseeing the renovation of CSC’s main campus building. These, along with other accomplishments across Dr. Friedman’s tenure, will be recognized at CSC’s Annual Meeting on May 13^th. Special thanks to the executive search committee, led by Board Trustee Rob Hartford in this extensive, nationally-conducted search.

Larry’s most recent position was the Director of Development for Cuyahoga County, where he managed a $100 million economic lending program and oversaw numerous federal and state community development grants. His personal community experience is substantial; he served on the Boards of the Deaconess Foundation; Cleveland Public Art; Malachi House; the Cleveland Sight Center; Roots of American Music; 10,000 Villages of Cleveland; and the Fund for the Future of Shaker Heights.

Larry will bring a fresh vitality and focus to our services to people who are blind or have vision loss – from the youngest preschooler to the oldest senior. CSC’s mission will be well served by Larry’s experience and abilities.

Larry and his wife, Alison Mearns Benders JD, PhD, are residents of Cleveland Heights.