BIOGRAPHIES - Consumer Advisory Committee
Richard Hunter
Consumer Advisory Committee
I first became acquainted with Society for the Blind as a rehabilitation client in 2005, taking classes in both Braille and computers. This became necessary after I experienced a rapid rate of visual deterioration due to Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP). Not only was I inspired by the skills and attitude of the blind instructors, I was thrilled to learn about the Society’s expansion and vision to serve more visually impaired Californians, including playing a more active role in the training of blind and low vision youth. I plan to bring my 10 years experience as a school psychologist in the public school system to the Consumer Advisory Committee in the quest to expand and improve upon the wonderful services provided to school-aged children. By serving on the Consumer Advisory Committee, I also hope to serve as a positive role model to my three young daughters.
In addition to my volunteer work at Society for the Blind, I enjoy competing in endurance sports and networking with visually impaired athletes. I've had the wonderful opportunity to complete the 2008 Boston Marathon. I presently serve as the volunteer veteran coordinator for the C Different Foundation. I receive great satisfaction when called upon to be a resource to others who are experiencing vision loss.
Michael Couey
Consumer Advisory Committee
My name is Michael Couey. I was born September, 15 1954. in Santa Monica, CA. I grew up in Venice, CA. Iattended Francis Blend Elementary School for the Blind. I went to Lacont Junior High School and Hollywood High School. I have three sisters and one brother. I got my AA degree at Sacramento City College.
I have been a long time member of national Federation of the Blind. Growing up in the 1960's, I was a great admirer of Martin Luther King Jr..and Malcolm X. I love baseball and going to Giants games. I love politics and enjoy watching CSPAN. I have a wonderful woman in my life, her name is Cat. I'm a strong believer in civil rights for all and I enjoy helping people.
Katie Howard Davis
Secretary, Consumer Advisory Committee
I first got involved with Society for the Blind in 2000, at age 13. I was born visually impaired, due to Aniridia. As I got older, my sight got worse, and that scared me. My first adventure with the youth program was the annual Summer Youth Retreat. It was inspiring to me to meet other visually impaired individuals, like the counselors who were all pursuing careers or attending college. Every year I learned something new and gained more confidence. When I became too old to be in the youth program, I decided to become a counselor myself and give others the experience and confidence that was given to me. I'm currently a student at CSU Sacramento and I'm majoring in computer engineering and business. I want to help the Society for the Blind and the youth program continue to grow in every way it can.
Allison Otto
Board of Directors Liaison, Consumer Advisory Committee
Allison Otto joined Society for the Blind's Board of Directors in September, 2007. She has been the Director of Marketing at Otto Construction since 2000. Founded by her grandfather in 1947, this Sacramento-based construction company now employees its third generation of family members.
As the Director of Marketing, Allison’s responsibilities include pursuing project leads, responding to requests for proposals, and maintaining and updating marketing materials. Allison graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in business management and is currently enrolled in the construction management program at UC Davis. Allison lives in Sacramento and enjoys running, gardening, skiing, and traveling.
Kevin McGrath
Kevin McGrath has served as a volunteer for Society for the Blind for several years, though his first experience at the Society was as a client. He received instruction on technology access as well as services from the Low Vision Clinic. Mr. McGrath was appointed to the Consumer Advisory Committee in 2005, and served for several years as the Committee’s secretary. He is currently the Consumer Advisory Committee’s liaison to the Low Vision Clinic. Mr. McGrath worked for over 25 years in the telecommunications industry, most recently as the Senior Facility Engineer at a local network facility.