New Bosma CEO Hopes to Set Example
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowThe incoming chief executive officer of Indianapolis-based Bosma Enterprises hopes his appointment can serve as an example for businesses and others who are blind or visually impaired. Jeffrey Mittman, who currently serves as chief operating officer for the organization that supports the visually impaired, will become the first blind CEO for Bosma in August, succeeding the retiring Lou Moneymaker. In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Mittman talked about what that distinction means to him.
"First and foremost, I think me being the first blind or visually impaired CEO can serve as an example to people outside of the organization as much as anything to prove that when we say that somebody who’s blind or visually impaired can do just about anything with the right accommodation, I think me being in that position really talks to that and sets the example," said Mittman. "Then, for other people who are blind or visually impaired, I think it serves hopefully as an inspiration or goal that it’s true."
Mittman became blind in 2005 while serving in the U.S. Army in Iraq. He became COO of Bosma in July 2018 and says he will continue the nonprofit organization’s plans for growth.
"We’re always looking to expand, not only the services we provide for people who are blind or visually impaired, but those employment opportunities. So as we expand our customer base and the products or services we offer, we’re hoping to grow the number of opportunities and grow the actual number of people who are blind or visually impaired that we employ. So we’re looking across commercial markets. We’re looking across the federal government. We’re looking at additional training and services we can provide people because our ultimate goal is that people who are blind or visually impaired have the opportunity to live independent lives."
Mittman says, in order for Bosma’s success to continue, the organization is focusing on expanding its commercial partnerships locally, regionally, and nationally. He says he hopes to grow the number of employment opportunities for people.
Mittman talked about what that distinction of being the first blind CEO for Bosma means to him.