Our Leadership Team

President, Katie L. Friedman, LDO:

With over 40 years of experience in the eyecare industry. Known for building thriving optical departments within ophthalmology practices, Katie has also created life-changing programs that help individuals navigate vision loss before grief, depression, or isolation take hold.
Katie has filled vision prescriptions much like a pharmacist fills medical ones, fitted specialty contact lenses, and helped thousands move from fear and fog into clarity and confidence. Through the International Vision Institute and her company, 5 Star Eye Care, she provides compassionate, practical solutions-online and in person-for staying independent, connected, and productive.

Diagnosed with dyslexia and ADHD later in life, Katie sees the world differently-and helps others do the same. Her mission: to help people discover their “unique prescription for life” and lead with clear vision, inside and out.

Vice President, Carolyn Cahn:

As a registered nurse, Carolyn Cahn has been an active advocate for those with physical limitations for many years. While studying at Gallaudet College for the hearing impaired, she befriended several students with retinitis pigmentosa and became aware of the challenges experienced by those with limited vision. In addition, as a nurse she has worked with many clients who were faced with an altered – and often diminished – lifestyle because of their loss of vision. She recognizes that education can help many people preserve their vision or slow the vision loss process. Joining the IVI board provided an opportunity to help those with vision loss in a unique way.

Treasurer, Brian Wallace:

Brian. Wallace has more than 40 years of experience in the development and construction management field. He has managed and constructed projects ranging from $500,000 to $100 million. His experience covers a broad variety of projects, including multi-family residential, retail malls and centers, big-box stores, educational facilities, hotels, office buildings, medical buildings, sports facilities, roadways, infrastructure, and specialized facilities for storage and R&D manufacturing.

Brian possesses extensive knowledge in design, field operations, and pre-construction functions, including site acquisition, site feasibility, permitting, and value engineering. He has worked throughout the Northeast, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Florida, California, and Hawaii. 

Secretary, Janie Becker:

Janie Becker, CMT, brings over 20 years of experience in health and wellness, specializing in healing techniques tailored to each client’s needs. A retired government professional with 32 years in HR and customer service, she now offers workshops on stress reduction, breathing, stretching, hormone balance, and essential oils. She’s a #1 best-selling author on caregiving and a contributing author in several assorted topics publications. She actively volunteers with the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, SoleHope and other community organizations. Janie serves as Secretary of the International Vision Institute, supporting its leadership and mission.

Seargent of Arms, Robin Currier:

Robin Currier is a retired international airline pilot for United Airlines. She has served on three other boards of directors. Two were with churches,
and one was with the International Horsemanship Foundation, which enhances the lives of horses and people through their connections. She is an ordained New Thought minister and former business owner. She now spends her time as an Executive Dating Coach for Love Strategies, where she uplifts women to create better relationships in their lives. She is joyfully married and lives in Terrebonne, Oregon, with their dog and horses.

Board Member, Kathryn Gray:

Kathryn Gray has been a volunteer leader for over 40 years and serves as president and CEO of her professional software engineering company. She is an engineer, volunteer, author, artist, speaker, and Transitional Life Coach. Kathryn has served on the boards of multiple national, regional, and state organizations, often as president and/or CEO.

A few years ago, Kathryn was diagnosed with low-pressure glaucoma and continues to be treated to stop the progression of the disease. She was also diagnosed with cataracts and had successful cataract surgery in both eyes to recover her vision. Being an artist, regaining clarity of vision was priceless. She cannot imagine how difficult it would be for those losing sight and having no viable cure. She’s proudly a member of the International Vision Institute Board in its quest to assist those who are losing their vision with the tools and resources required to make life easier to navigate.

Board Member, Valery O’Brien

Valery O’Brien is a retired administrator and public relations professional with decades of service in Hawaiʻi. She served on the board of Easter Seals Hawaiʻi, supporting major fundraising events, and spent over 25 years on the Aloha Festivals board coordinating floats, bands, horses, and hula hālau. Valery was President of Travel Women Hawaiʻi and worked internationally in tourism. She was PR Director for the opening of the Ilikai Hotel and later spent 20+ years with Kamehameha Schools–Royal Hawaiian Center. A longtime Rotary Club of Ala Moana member, Valery also volunteered 40+ years with Special Olympics Hawaiʻi, inspired by her special-needs daughter, and has served the Catholic Church for over 50 years supporting people with disabilities.

Board Member, Heshie Segal:

Heshie Segal has spent over 30 years championing the power of connection in a world increasingly defined by disconnection. A prolific speaker and author of three #1 bestsellers, her work has been featured in Inc. Magazine and beyond. She has inspired diverse audiences with her messages on integrity, impact, creativity, equality, and inclusion. For Heshie, connection isn’t just a concept—it’s a transformative force that shapes lives and communities. Asked to sum up her mission, she confidently affirms: “Integrity, connection, and impact.” Heshie’s work continues to resonate, proving that connection is what the world needs most.

Board Member, Werner Berger:

Werner Berger – Corporate Leadership Consultant and Guinness World Records holder. He inspires people to live boldly and embrace their potential, challenging the notion that we are limited by what we currently believe is impossible.
He emphasizes that societal conditioning often leads us to wear masks, focusing on perceived limitations rather than embracing our unique brilliance and the meaningful contributions we are each capable of making. Werner believes it’s never too late to reclaim our authentic, innate selves, rejecting the false belief of “not good enough,” which he describes as the primary obstacle to personal power and true spirit.

Webmaster & Board Member, Joyce Feinberg, MT(ASCP):

Joyce began her career in medical technology, later becoming a technical specialist for a leading equipment manufacturer. She lost her vision due to undiagnosed Diabetes, but adapted and thrived. Since joining the American Council of the Blind in 2003, she’s contributed extensively to its affiliates, especially after the pandemic. Now active with the ACB Media team, she edits and posts audio content, and volunteers with Low Vision Alliance (LVA), building accessible websites and supporting community engagement. Her journey reflects resilience, technical skill, and a deep commitment to advocacy and inclusion.