Katie Frederick
160 W. Wilson Bridge Rd.
Apartment 405
Worthington, OH 43085
Email: mailto:katiefred@gmail.com
Phone: (419) 306-3721
1. My name is Katie Frederick, and I am honored to announce my candidacy for Secretary of the American Council of the Blind (ACB).
Since attending my first ACB national conference and convention in 2004, I have taken on leadership roles at the local, state, and national levels. These experiences have strengthened my ability to organize, collaborate, and champion the vital work ACB does. Now, I am ready to apply my skills and passion in service of ACB’s mission as Secretary.
Serving as Secretary is more than a responsibility, it is a meaningful opportunity to give back to an organization that has profoundly shaped my life. In this role, I will ensure clear communication, maintain accurate records, and make information readily accessible so members stay informed and engaged. My commitment to efficiency and inclusivity will help foster stronger connections within ACB.
If elected, I will work to ensure members have the tools they need, amplify their voices, and help create an environment where everyone actively participates in ACB’s work. I look forward to serving, building relationships, and supporting ACB’s continued success. Thank you for considering my candidacy.
2. Over twenty years ago, I took my first steps in ACB as a member of its student affiliate, eager to contribute and learn. I quickly realized leadership was not about the title, it was about taking initiative, navigating challenges, and fostering meaningful connections.
From those early days, I committed myself to advocacy and inclusion, stepping into leadership roles within my local chapter, the Ohio affiliate, and later at the national level. Each transition brought new responsibilities, but also opportunities to empower others, strengthen initiatives, and refine my ability to lead effectively.
One of my strongest contributions has been fostering leadership development and resilience while ensuring committees and organizations run efficiently. Whether leading discussions, facilitating meetings, or coordinating efforts to keep teams productive, I have worked to create environments where members can engage effectively and drive meaningful progress. By streamlining processes and maintaining structured communication, I have helped sustain ACB’s mission—ensuring advocacy remains strong and future leaders feel supported.
Leadership is not about a single achievement, it is about continuously showing up, learning, and making an impact that lasts. My greatest contribution to ACB is this unwavering commitment to growth—not just my own, but the development of others and the organization.
3. One of the biggest challenges ACB faces is ensuring that more members feel encouraged to step up and take an active role, especially in leadership. ACB thrives because of its dedicated and long-standing members, whose commitment has shaped the organization into what it is today. To keep growing and evolving, ACB must continue expanding engagement, bringing in fresh perspectives, and creating more opportunities for leadership development. Strengthening participation will distribute responsibilities more effectively and enhance our collective impact.
Leadership transitions require intentional mentorship, support, and structured opportunities for growth. Experienced leaders play a key role in guiding and empowering emerging voices, ensuring they have the confidence and skills to take on meaningful responsibilities. Creating space for new leaders is not about stepping back — it is about actively fostering long-term sustainability by cultivating leadership engagement and equipping individuals with the tools to lead.
To address this challenge, I will work to highlight the many ways members can contribute and emphasize the value of their involvement. I look forward to working with current leaders to expand and strengthen existing mentorship initiatives and leadership development programs — creating an environment where new leaders feel welcomed and encouraged. I will support this effort by serving as an ACB Mentor within ACB’s existing program and becoming more involved with the Berl Colley ACB Leadership Institute Training Committee in the coming years. By prioritizing engagement, mentorship, and thoughtful leadership development, ACB will remain dynamic, resilient, and well-prepared to shape its future.