The IFB Beat 4-6 Edition

A Message from the Editor

This week’s IFB Beat reflects the momentum and mission that continues to move us forward, from the exciting launch of our Winston-Salem expansion project to the many new faces and achievements across the organization.

We’re also proud to celebrate the people who make this progress possible. Please join us in welcoming back team member Virginia Battle, congratulating Shawn Blanks as our 2026 Manager of the Year and recognizing Asheville team members who recently completed professional development workshops.

Finally, don’t miss this week’s Employee Spotlight featuring Richard Brown, whose words remind us of the power of belief and community in the workplace.

Thank you for all you do to support IFB’s mission each day.

Quote of the week:

“The way a team plays as a whole determines its success.” — Babe Ruth

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Winston-Salem Expansion Project Update
– Welcome New Team Member
– Congratulations 2026 Manager of the Year: Shawn Blanks
– Asheville Team Completes Professional Development Workshops
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Richard Brown, Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

From Our Community

– Mardi Gras Casino Night for Sight

HR & Opportunities

– IFB Retirement 401(k) Account
– Job Opportunities

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

 

Winston-Salem Expansion Project Update

We’re excited to share that our long-anticipated expansion of the Winston-Salem facility is officially moving forward. Thanks to a grant award from the federal government, this vision is now becoming a reality.

If you’ve noticed unfamiliar faces, vehicles or colorful markings across the campus grounds in recent weeks, those are part of Phase 1 of the project. Our civil engineering partner, McAdams, is currently conducting site surveys to prepare for construction.

Over the next few weeks, you’ll continue to see new visitors on campus as we begin the process of selecting a general contractor. Contractor teams along with their project and architectural partners will tour the site to prepare their proposals.

We expect to select our general contractor within the next 45 days and then move forward into the construction phase. The full project is estimated to take approximately 15 to 18 months from start to finish.

This expansion represents an exciting opportunity for IFB to grow and create additional employment opportunities for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Stay tuned to the IFB Beat for ongoing updates as the project progresses.

 

Welcome New Team Member

Please join us in welcoming Virginia Battle back to the Asheville team! Virginia, a rehire, returned on March 30 and is working in the FHS department as a sewing operator. We’re glad to have her back with us!

 

Congratulations 2026 Manager of the Year: Shawn Blanks

Each year, IFB Solutions recognizes an outstanding leader whose performance, dedication and results set the standard for excellence across our Base Supply Centers. The Manager of the Year award is based on key operational metrics, including store revenue and gross margin performance, RTWC results, NIB Best Practices scorecard achievements and “Need It Get It” special order success. This year, we are proud to honor a leader who consistently excels in every category.

Meet the man behind the award: Shawn Blanks. Shawn has been a valued member of IFB for 15 years, bringing decades of retail and leadership experience to his role as BSC Store Manager and Business Development Manager. He leads operations across four federal Base Supply Center locations in Washington, D.C., overseeing a team of six employees and ensuring excellence in daily operations—from receiving and store maintenance to training and scheduling.

Beyond operations, Shawn is known for building strong, lasting relationships with federal and contracted customers, always striving to exceed expectations. His strategic approach to business development has helped expand the customer base while driving consistent revenue growth—key factors in his recognition this year.

Throughout his time at IFB, Shawn has developed a deep appreciation for the mission, gaining insight into the impact meaningful employment has on individuals who are blind or visually impaired. His leadership reflects a strong commitment not only to results, but to people.

Before joining IFB, Shawn spent 33 years with JCPenney in the Washington, D.C. metro area before retiring early. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, he returned to the workforce within a year, drawn to IFB’s mission and the opportunity to make a difference.

Outside of work, Shawn is deeply committed to service. He has volunteered as a tour guide at The Motown Museum, supported the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and contributed his time to the National Archives in College Park, Maryland. He currently serves as a volunteer advisor for the Weslyn A. Bennett Children’s Foundation in Inkster, Michigan. Shawn’s leadership and dedication are best captured in his own words: “I’m always mission ready.”

Congratulations, Shawn, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for your continued commitment to excellence and impact at IFB Solutions.

 

Asheville Team Completes Professional Development Workshops

Congratulations to the Asheville team members who recently completed the “Influence” and “Step Up to Conflict” workshops. These sessions were led by Michael Dutch of Guilford College and were made possible through the generosity of the Googe Family Scholarship Endowment. We proudly recognize the following graduates: Jaime Clark, Shelley Hannah, Liz Blair, Crystal Burnette, Jeff Ellis, Mariah Ellis, Elizabeth Parker and Grant Weathers.

The Googe Family Scholarship was established by John Googe, former IFB Solutions Board Chair and long time friend of the organization, in partnership with his alma mater, Guilford College. His commitment ensures that IFB employees who are blind have access to educational opportunities that strengthen their skills and support their career growth and advancement.

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Richard Brown, Winston-Salem Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight. Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Richard Brown, Production Assistant.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Winston-Salem, NC

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you here?
A: I’ve been with IFB for almost four years. I was referred by Vickie Keaton (former supervisor) and I have been here ever since.

Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: Watching sports—especially the Dallas Cowboys and the UNC Tar Heels.

Q: What’s your favorite meal?
A: Pasta and chicken. I’m not too picky, and I enjoy cooking.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: The people—especially the blind employees I get to work alongside.

Q: What’s a piece of advice you’d share with others?
A: “Always believe in yourself—you can do whatever you choose.”

Special thanks to Employee Relations Specialist, Morgan Dugan, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d

 

From Our Community

Mardi Gras Casino Night for Sight

Submitted by Metrolina Association for the Blind

Join Metrolina Association for the Blind and the Charlotte Area Delta Gamma Alumnae for the 4th annual “Mardi Gras Casino Night for Sight”!

Saturday, April 18, 7–11 p.m.
Griffith Hall | 3000 S. Tryon Rd | Charlotte (next to Lenny Boy Brewing Co.)

The “Mardi Gras Casino Night for Sight” is a high-spirited and fun-filled evening that will benefit Metrolina Association for the Blind. There will be live music by the Noel Frieidline & Maria Howell Jazz Band, New Orleans-style food, beads and masks. Chiffon, sequins, tiaras, boas and black tie optional. There will be casino-style games, but no cash prizes will be issued. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the following link: link to Mardi Gras Ball tickets and sponsorship information.

Questions? Contact Stefanie Groot at sgroot@mabnc.org or (704) 372-3870, ext. 103.

 

 

HR & Opportunities

IFB Retirement 401(k) Account

There are three ways to connect with your retirement account in a way that works best for you.

1. Contact the Ascensus call center: 855-593-7279, Monday–Friday | 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

2. Access your account online. Visit firstcitizens.com/retirement.

First-time login instructions:

• User ID: Your Social Security number (format: 999009999 — no dashes)
• Password: Your date of birth (MonthDDYYYY), Example: June 4, 1982 = June041982

3. Manage your 401(k) on the go. Download the READYSAVE mobile app to access your account anytime, anywhere.

 

Job Opportunities

Receptionist, Winston-Salem facility

Education and Work Experience

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• A minimum of one year of customer service experience is preferred.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/213587

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/213588?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909. For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Group Zoom

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929
Passcode: 992614

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