Deb Cook Lewis
1131 Liberty Drive
Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: (206) 434-6480
Email: acbpresident@acb.org
Introduction
My name is Deb Cook Lewis, and I am running for a second term as ACB president.
In 2016, the ACB membership elected me to serve on the ACB Board of Publications, and President Spoone appointed me as Chair of the BOP in 2019. The ACB membership elected me to serve as First Vice President of ACB in 2021, and I stepped up as Interim President in March 2023. I have most actively served as part of ACB Media since 2004, assisting virtual and hybrid events during the pandemic and beyond.
I am active in WA Council of the Blind along with membership in three special interest affiliates, I have held various offices, and I have led significant programmatic changes regarding affiliate fiscal resources.
After working 44 years with WA State and the Center on Technology and Disability studies at the University of WA, I retired, having served in various program and management roles. After retirement, the Governor appointed me to chair the WA State Human Rights Commission for a five-year term.
My Strengths and Contributions
I thrive on strategic planning, strategies for resource allocation, and outcome evaluation. My organizational skills ensure detail-oriented project management. Passionate about ACB’s mission, I work tirelessly -- evidenced by the frequency of my 6:00 AM meeting schedule here on the west coast!
Greatest Challenge
In 2021, I talked about the need to modernize and streamline our infrastructure and processes. Though we have made progress, this continues to be a priority for me and necessary to build a solid future.
Of equal concern to me is that we must not sabotage ourselves! Our organization thrives with dedicated members, robust advocacy, inclusive affiliates, and a supportive community platform. Our initiatives in audio description, leadership training, and scholarships are commendable. Our conventions showcase member talent, while ACB media provides invaluable content. Now is the time to unite with our mission at the center of our efforts, despite differences, and work tirelessly to safeguard our future. We must seize the opportunities and not let our disagreements lead to internal destruction!