The IFB Beat 6-30 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Greetings all! This week, The IFB Beat is taking you behind the scenes to meet the Executive Team leading our mission forward. From new faces to longtime champions, these leaders are shaping our vision every day. We’re also welcoming new hires, spotlighting employees, celebrating progress across IFB, and we also have a riddle for you to solve: what comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

Quote of the week:

“People know you for what you’ve done, not for what you plan to do.” – Howard G. Hendricks

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

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

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Meet the Executive Team Behind IFB’s Mission
– Welcome New Team Members!
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Amanda Kuhl, Winston-Salem Facility
– Programs Update: 2025 Accessible Festival
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Let’s Celebrate: ADA 35th Anniversary

HR and Opportunities

– Benefit Elections: 2025 – 2026 Plan Year
– New Job Announcements

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

Meet the Executive Team Behind IFB’s Mission

Over several editions of The IFB Beat, we’ve had the pleasure of introducing many of the incredible departments that help make IFB Solutions thrive. Now, we’re turning the spotlight to the team guiding it all from the top.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be introducing you to the members of IFB’s Executive Leadership Team—the people who help shape our mission, drive strategic decisions, and ensure that our organization continues to grow, innovate, and empower. From overseeing operations to building community partnerships, this group plays a vital role in ensuring that our vision—“Our Vision is Working”—remains a reality every single day.

This week we highlight Danny Kelly, President and CEO and Randy Buckner, Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. We share their stories, leadership philosophies, and what drives their commitment to IFB and the people we serve. You might even learn a fun fact or two along the way!

 

Danny Kelly

President and CEO

Danny Kelly has been a driving force at IFB Solutions for 18 years and currently serves as the organization’s President and CEO. He is responsible to the Board of Directors for the overall management of the nonprofit, leading operations across departments such as fundraising, human resources, finance, strategic planning, programs, I.T., and communications. As the public face of IFB Solutions, Danny represents the organization to government agencies, industry groups, regulatory bodies, and the broader community. Under his leadership, IFB continues to pursue its vision of becoming America’s leader in building life-changing opportunities for people who are blind. “Leading IFB Solutions is more than a job—it’s a mission rooted in purpose. Every day, I’m inspired by the resilience, talent, and drive of our employees who are blind. Together, we are redefining what opportunity looks like.”

Danny’s connection to the mission began well before his official tenure at IFB. While working for five years with National Industries for the Blind, he visited many nonprofit organizations affiliated with the AbilityOne Program. His first visit to IFB was in June 2002 for the grand opening of the Guantanamo Bay Base Supply Center—an experience that left a lasting impression.

A native of Minnesota, Danny holds an MBA from George Mason University and is a 17-time Paralympic medalist in swimming, having competed in the Barcelona, Atlanta, and Sydney games. He was born with Severe Early Childhood Onset Retinal Dystrophy (SECORDS), a hereditary condition related to Retinitis Pigmentosa.

Outside the office, Danny enjoys traveling with his wife Karen and their two children, Kyla and Jack. He’s an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy, with favorite authors including Guy Gavriel Kay and Craig Alanson.

 

Randy Buckner

Vice President of Manufacturing Operations

Randy Buckner has dedicated an incredible 33 years to IFB Solutions, where he currently serves as Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. He was first introduced to IFB through a contact at the Employment Security Commission—and that connection turned out to be life changing. Over the past three decades, Randy has helped shape the organization’s success while overseeing manufacturing across all four IFB locations. His role encompasses Quality, Engineering, and Shipping & Receiving operations.

He leads a talented team that includes Winston-Salem Plant Manager Travis Guerra, Asheville and Puerto Rico Plant Manager Alina Garcia Ravelo, Director of Quality & Engineering Melinda Noah, and Distribution Center Manager Dale Baker.

Reflecting on his career at IFB, Randy shares:

“My experience at IFB has been phenomenal. Our vision is building life-changing opportunities for people who are blind. I’m not blind, but working at IFB has been a life-changing opportunity for me. I’m so glad I made the decision to make this my lifelong career. I was impressed when I first met some of our employees who are blind 33 years ago, and I continue to be amazed by our employees today. I’m proud of what we accomplish working together. I love and respect our employees, and I feel blessed to be part of the IFB family.”

Outside of work, Randy enjoys golfing, fishing, and spending quality time with his loving wife, daughter, son, and four grandchildren. A fun fact: he rode a Harley Davidson for nine years and proudly identifies as a former biker. Interestingly, His dad invented the Buck Stove (famous Woodstove) and he grew up in manufacturing, welding stove parts at 13 years old.

 

 

Welcome New Team Members

We’re excited to announce that several talented individuals started with us on Monday, June 16th. Please join us in welcoming them to the team!

BSC:

• Alan Minch – BSC Hazardous Materials Coordinator under the supervision of Kelly Nutter

Winston Salem:

• Maria Hurtado- AP/AR Manager under the supervision of Natalya McCandless
• Gregory Brown- Receiving Clerk under the supervision of Dale Baker
• Patricia Bruton (Temp to Perm)– Handcutter under the supervision of Travis Guerra

We are thrilled to have these new team members on board and are confident they will contribute greatly to our continued success. Please be sure to give them a warm welcome!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Amanda Kuhl, 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 Amanda Kuhl from our Winston-Salem, NC Facility.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in Lakehurst, New Jersey, born and raised! I moved to North Carolina when I was 12 years old.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB since July 2015—almost ten years now! My mom actually saw a commercial on TV about IFB, and since I’m visually impaired, I thought I’d give it a try.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy playing video games, visiting amusement parks, and going on vacation whenever I can!

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Tacos and pizza, with a side of Mountain Dew!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I really value the independence I have here, as well as the chance to connect and socialize with others. I’ve especially enjoyed stepping into my new role as a Team Lead—it’s been rewarding to put my education to good use.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you would give to a friend?
A: Always go for your hopes and dreams. Don’t be afraid, and never let anything hold you back!

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

 

IFB Programs Update: 2025 Accessible Festival

The 2025 Accessible Festival hosted by the Winston-Salem Transit Authority was held at the Winston-Salem Fair Grounds Event Center on June 6. 550 people attending this time of celebration and awareness of all disabilities. Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager and Kim Shoffner, Programs Manager hosted an information table about IFB Solutions employment, training, and services. Participants were encouraged to play with Braille Legos as an inclusive game, try on low vision simulators, take brochures about what IFB offers, and walk away with an ink pen and a Chapstick with IFB’s logo to be reminded of the work we do.

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

 

Community Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Weather Alert Radio with S.A.M.E. Local Alerts For $49.95. Get alerted to extreme weather and emergencies.

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

The IFB Beat Riddle

Thanks for strolling, you found the answer!

Question: What comes once in a minute, twice in a moment, but never in a thousand years?

Answer: The letter “M.”

 

From Our Community

ADA 35th Anniversary

Submitted by the Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities and the City of Winston-Salem Human Relations Department

The Winston-Salem Mayor’s Council for Persons with Disabilities and the City of Winston-Salem Human Relations Department are hosting an ADA35 Celebration to recognize the Americans with Disabilities Act’s 35^th Anniversary on Friday, July 25^th, from 1:00PM to 4:00PM at The Ramkat in Winston-Salem. We invite you, your family, friends and colleagues to be a part of the celebration.

The objective of the ADA35 Celebration is to recognize a law that has made a significant impact in the lives of people with disabilities and our country over the past 35 years. The ADA was the world’s first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities.

As we recognize this landmark event and the great accomplishments from the signing of the ADA, we will seek to identify solutions to the prevalent barriers that individuals with disabilities continue to face in our community.

The ADA35 Celebration is free to attend. Light refreshments will be available.

Event Activities include:

• Expert Speakers
• Roundtable Discussions
• Vendors
• Live Entertainment:  The Enrichment Center Rock Band
• Springwell Student’s Personality Players

Please follow the link to register for the ADA35 Celebration: RSVP for the event

 

HR & Opportunities

Benefit Elections: 2025 – 2026 Plan Year

Your benefit elections from the recent 2025–2026 Open Enrollment will go into effect on July 1, 2025.

Payroll Deductions

Your benefit deductions will begin and be reflected on your first paycheck in July.

ID Cards

You will receive new ID cards only if you made changes to your benefits during Open Enrollment or newly enrolled in a benefit.

• Medical ID cards will be sent by Healthgram.
• Dental and Vision ID cards will be sent by Guardian.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• If you enrolled in a Medical Flexible Spending Account, your funds will be available starting July 1, 2025.
• Use your FSA debit card to access the funds.
• Newly enrolled? You should receive your debit card within 7–10 business days.
• Important: Failure to submit requested receipts to CBIZ may result in your account being suspended.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact Tammy Powers at twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

New Job Announcements

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 Groups Zoom

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

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile

+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929