By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
According to original reporting by Aziza Jackson and Talladega’s ‘Daily Home’, Dr. John Mascia has been appointed the new president of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (AIDB) by the AIDB Board of Trustees on Monday. The AIDB Board of Trustees (BOT) voted unanimously to make Dr. Mascia the President on January 1, 2013. Current President Terry Graham is retiring on Feb. 1, 2013.
AIDB BOT Chairman Lynwood French said, “We are delighted that Dr. John Mascia has agreed to lead AIDB into the future. We have full confidence in his ability and commitment to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve.”
When asked why he wanted to be President of AIDB Dr. Mascia said, “It’s a passion for me. You get involved with what we do and the people and it becomes a passion.” Dr. Mascia said, “I believe that I am a proven commodity. There is no one that can fill the shoes of Dr. Graham. I have no doubt that I can come in Feb. 3 or 4 and turn the lights on and get a cup of coffee and ask Ms. Amanda Fuller (the president’s secretary) what I need to do for the day.”
The Board had narrowed its search down to just three candidates: Dr. John Mascia who is the current vice president of Adult Programs at AIDB, Dr. Larry Taub, who headed the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf and the Center for Community and Professional Services in Philadelphia; and Dr. Tyrone Yarbrough who is the Superintendent of the Department of Youth Services School District 210 in Mt. Meigs.
The BOT interviewed all three candidates and then selected Dr. Mascia to succeed Dr. Graham. Mascia will be the President effective January 1. Dr. Graham will stay on as a consultant until his retirement in February.
Dr. Mascia said, “I thank the Board of Trustees for placing their confidence and trust in me. It is an honor to be named president and to follow such a wonderful man and leader, Dr. Terry Graham. I look forward to working with the president’s staff, the Board of Trustees and the entire AIDB family as we move AIDB forward. I am excited to be given this opportunity and I will work tirelessly in my role as president so that all students, clients and staff members have an opportunity to be successful.”
Retiring AIDB President Graham said recently, “I love AIDB and I hope that my time spent here has contributed to some positive outcomes for this organization and the people we serve. I am confident that the future is bright for AIDB.”
