To reach any officer of this organization, send E-mail to the American Council of the Blind of Nebraska for immediate response.
President: Jim Jirak. Jim is a long-standing member of the organization and has held a number of offices, at both the state and local level. A national hotel chain as a reservation specialist employs Jim. Jim is an active member of the Citizens with Low Vision affiliate at the national level and was instrumental in establishing the Share A Fair Taxi Cab Coupon program in Omaha.
Treasurer: Howard Compton. Howard is a native of Houston, Texas and was educated in Washington State. He has been a Member of ACB since 1980 and Served as Treasure of ACB of Texas and the Houston Council of the Blind. Howard also served as the Co-Chairman for ACB of Texas state convention in 1985. In addition, he was a Member of the Education and Legal Advisory Project in Texas, awarded Outstanding Member of ACB of Texas for 1996, served as Treasurer of United Workers for the Blind of Missouri, and served on a Grand Jury in the State of Missouri for the Jurisdiction of the City of St. Louis. Being employed by a major railroad company since 1972, Howard transferred to Omaha in 2004. Additionally, he has been Married to Janis since 1972. Having Two children and 3 grandchildren, Howard enjoys tandem bicycling and back packing in the back country with his wife. His favorite spots in Nebraska are Indian Cave and Niobrara State Parks.
Corresponding Secretary: Janice Shafer. Having started out as a driver for the Lincoln chapter in the early 90's, Janice eventually paid her membership dues and has been active in the Lincoln chapter ever since. Holding the position of recording secretary at one point, she most recently was chair of the Web site committee prior to being elected corresponding secretary.
Recording Secretary: Shirley C. Allen. Shirley has been a member of our chapter since 1992. She has chaired our Share A Fare committee and held the position of corresponding secretary on the state level. Having 7 children, 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, she also is a member of The Omaha association of the Blind and has been the Sunday morning engineer at Radio Talking Book, and the voice of the TV listings, for several years.
Lincoln Chapter Representative: Terry Brennfoerder - Terry was born in Davenport, Nebraska. He has lived in Nelson, Edgar, Nebraska City and Lincoln. Terry graduated from the Nebraska School for the Visually Handicapped. He spent one year at Kearney State College, attended Lincoln School of Commerce for an accounting degree, and worked five years with Belmont Construction Company. Terry has 25 years of service with the Lincoln Telephone Company where he became the first blind or visually impaired person to do 100% of long distance operations. In addition to working 3 years at Bristol Window Company, he currently sells card games and crafts. Terry is a long time ACB member with a wife, 3 children and 9 grandchildren.
Omaha Chapter Representative: Janis Compton. Janis has been a member of ACB since 1980 and has served in several positions at the Chapter level. She received Bachelors degree in Human Nutrition in 1988. Janis is married, with two children and three grandchildren.