LANCASTER, October 10, 2008 - The Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind and Susquehanna Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired (SABVI) are proud to announce position changes effective immediately. Stephen Patterson, former President and CEO of SABVI, has retired from the Association to become President of the Susquehanna Foundation for the Blind. Dennis Steiner has been promoted to serve as President and CEO of the Association.

Since joining SABVI in 1983, Steiner has been instrumental in the success of the organization through his management of its Industrial Division. Steiner was also directly responsible for the construction of SABVI’s Lancaster facility as well as development of the facilities in Lebanon, Philadelphia and Somerset Counties. Currently, Steiner serves as Chairman of the Board for the Pennsylvania Industries for the Blind and Handicapped. A graduate of the Pennsylvania State University, Steiner holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Rehabilitation and a Master’s Degree in Rehabilitation and Counseling.

Patterson joined SABVI as Executive Director in 1989. The Association employed 19 blind persons then and generated sales of $500,000 while providing basic rehabilitation services to its clients. Through Patterson’s leadership, SABVI has grown to employ nearly 150 people and has annual sales in excess of $30 million. In addition, SABVI now provides a full range of rehabilitation and early childhood education services to more than 2000 people living in its service area.

Following nearly two decades at SABVI, Patterson and the SABVI Board of Directors formed the Foundation to serve as the fundraising arm for the Association. In addition, the Foundation will work to fulfill its mission of creating breakthrough opportunities in education and employment for Americans who are blind. Patterson announces the addition of Megan Sofilka and Jeanny Chen, both of Lancaster, to the Foundation staff.

Sofilka has been named Director, Marketing and Programs. Sofilka was previously employed by SABVI as Marketing Coordinator. A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she has a Bachelor’s Degree in English Writing and Communication.

Chen has been named the Foundation’s Administrative Assistant. Chen was previously employed as Marketing Assistant at SABVI. Chen is expected to graduate from Millersville University in spring 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing and International Business.

The Foundation’s office is located at 128 E. Grant St., Suite 301, Lancaster, PA, 17602. They can be reached by calling 717-393-5894.