from the Durward K. McDaniel Fund Committee
Are you hoping to build your leadership skills or get more involved in ACB? Maybe you’re already taking on leadership roles and want to connect with others who share your passion. If any of that sounds like you, we’ve got a great opportunity you won’t want to miss.
This year, the Durward K. McDaniel (DKM) Fund Committee is proud to reach two major milestones of helping drive leadership in ACB! Thirty years ago, the DKM Committee launched the First-Timer program. Meanwhile, this year marks 10 years since we celebrated the inaugural class of ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows.
As tradition holds, the DKM Fund Committee will select two ACB members — one on each side of the Mississippi River — to be our DKM First-Timers this year. Five members will also be chosen to take part in the ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows program. Both programs are designed to help you grow, learn, and experience ACB in a deeper way.
If you’re chosen, you’ll get to attend the 65th annual ACB Conference and Convention from July 24–31, 2026, in St. Louis, Mo. You’ll meet other leaders, spend time with past recipients, and take part in a wide range of convention activities that can help you build confidence, skills, and lasting connections.
Who Can Apply?
You must be blind or visually impaired, at least 18 years old, and a current ACB member.
DKM First-Timer Award:
- You must have never attended an in-person ACB Conference and Convention.
- You need at least two years of continuous membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or you must be a member-at-large serving on an ACB committee.
ACB/JPMorgan Chase Leadership Fellows Award:
You need at least three years of continuous membership in an ACB state or special-interest affiliate, or you must be a member-at-large serving on an ACB committee.
If you qualify, you’ll just need to fill out the online application and ask the president of your affiliate — or your committee chair if you’re a member-at-large — to submit the recommendation form.
Important Dates
Applications open January 1, 2026.
2026 DKM/Chase Award Application: https://forms.gle/U64TKDkxSiRbmwYs8
2026 DKM / Chase Recommendation Form: https://forms.gle/EqfMsJMuQncdj6mm8
Everything is due by April 1, 2026.
After applications close, the DKM Committee will schedule a 30-minute interview with each applicant in mid-April. Once interviews and reviews are complete, we’ll make our selections in late April. Two First-Timers and five Leadership Fellows will be chosen. If there aren’t eligible applicants on one side of the Mississippi, both First-Timers may be selected from the same region.
Everyone will be notified soon after decisions are made.
What’s Covered?
If you’re selected, ACB will cover round-trip airfare, transportation to and from the convention, double-occupancy hotel room, per diem for meals, registration, and tickets for certain events like the reception and banquet. Optional tours and activities aren’t included. You’ll be responsible for arranging any personal accommodations you need so you can fully participate throughout the week — including attending all general sessions and required events.
If you have any questions, reach out to Zelda Gebhard, DKM Committee Chair, at zgeb@drtel.net or (701) 709-0262.