Mark G. Ackermann
Mark Ackermann of Lighthouse Guild
Named Board Chair of VisionServe Alliance
New York (January 3, 2017) -- Mark G. Ackermann, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lighthouse Guild and President of a number of its affiliate corporations, has been elected Chairman of VisionServe Alliance. Mr. Ackermann was previously Vice Chair of the organization.
VisionServe Alliance is a consortium of Executive Directors and CEOs of 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations throughout the United States that provide unique and specialized services to people who are blind or have severe vision loss. As the leading trade organization for vision-related organizations, VisionServe Alliance’s mission is to engage leaders in
providing a better world through services for people with vision loss.
“As departing Chair of VisionServe Alliance’s Board of Directors, I feel fortunate to be succeeded by our Vice Chair Mark Ackermann—an innovative and proven leader,” says outgoing chair Miki Jordan, who is President and CEO of Junior Blind of America. “Mark is strategic, resourceful and a true change champion. There is no doubt that under his helm, VisionServe Alliance will continue enriching the lives of those living with vision loss.”
Roxann Mayros, CEO of VisionServe says, “ I am personally and professionally excited to work with Mr. Ackermann as we continue to grow and develop VisionServe Alliance as a leader in the field of vision loss. His contributions will be many as he leads from his strong base of knowledge in nonprofit management and legislative affairs, his extensive international and national experience, and his commitment to VisionServe Alliance’s mission to build a strong network of leaders creating excellent services for people who are blind or visually impaired.”
Decades of Service
Mark G. Ackermann is the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Lighthouse Guild and President of a number of its affiliate corporations. Earlier, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Lighthouse International, which merged with Jewish Guild Healthcare in 2014 to form Lighthouse Guild.
Prior to joining Lighthouse International, Mr. Ackermann served for 25 years in various senior management positions at St. Vincent’s Hospital and Medical Center. He also held the position of Chief Administrative Officer of the hospital’s parent corporation, Saint Vincent’s Catholic Medical Centers of New York.
Mr. Ackermann holds a BA from the Catholic University of America and a Master of Science Degree in Healthcare Management from New York University. He has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Graduate School of Management and Urban Professions of the New School University, as well as a Clinical Instructor in the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of New York University.
In addition to his new role as chair of the VisionServe Alliance, Mr. Ackerman is Chair of the Age Related Macular Degeneration Alliance International and a board member of The Usher III Initiative, He also serves as an Ambassador for the Path to Peace Foundation and the Same Sky Foundation.
“I am grateful to the entire membership of VisionServe Alliance for having the confidence in me to elect me to the chairmanship of this special organization,” says Mr. Ackermann. “I am more committed than ever to engage leaders in the field to build a better world for people with vision loss by strengthening our abilities in advocacy, education, ethical management, professional growth, and effective services,” he adds.
About VisionServe Alliance
VisionServe Alliance was founded in 1987 as the National Council of Private Agencies for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Members of VisionServe Alliance include leaders of organizations that focus on national advocacy and/or service issues, employment and manufacturing, adult vision rehabilitation, K-12 residential and online schools, early intervention and pre-school, dog guides, low-vision clinics, and Braille production. Collaborative projects, national trends, stronger management and leadership, and advocacy programs have been born from discussions and activities of VisionServe Alliance members. For more information visit,www.visionservealliance.org
About Lighthouse Guild
Lighthouse Guild is the leading not-for-profit vision and healthcare organization, with a long-standing history of addressing the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired, including those with multiple disabilities or chronic medical conditions. With more than 200 years of experience and service, Lighthouse Guild brings a level of understanding to vision care that is unmatched. By integrating vision and healthcare services and expanding access through its programs and education and awareness, we help people lead productive, dignified and fulfilling lives. For more information, visit www.lighthouseguild.org