Mary Jane Surrago, assistant
secretary emeritus to the National Industries for the Blind (NIB) Board of Directors, was presented with the 2025 R.B. Irwin Award during the NIB/NAEPB Public Policy Forum general session on May 20.
Surrago retired on February 28 after 50 years with NIB. Current Board Chairman Zach Klipa said there was no more deserving recipient for this award than Surrago.
She served in a number of roles during her five decades at NIB. As vice president-administration, her responsibilities extended to such diverse areas as corporate governance, communications, event management, and rehabilitation services.
The Irwin Award is NIB’s highest honor. It is awarded to a professional in the NIB community who has devoted their career to creating and improving employment for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired, or to a volunteer who has demonstrated exceptional and longstanding service and commitment to NIB’s mission. The award is named in memory of Dr. Robert B. Irwin, who was executive director of the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) in the 1930s and worked with AFB’s Chairman M. C. Migel and Peter J. Salmon of the Industrial Home for the Blind in New York toward passage of the Wagner-O’Day Act in 1938, and the subsequent formation of NIB.
Klipa, who helped present the award, called Surrago “a leader and storyteller, documenting the history of NIB, its board, and associated nonprofit agencies in service to our enduring mission to create meaningful employment for people who are blind, low vision, or visually impaired. Through this award, we honor her legacy that has not only shaped NIB as it is today, but also left an indelible impact on countless lives.”
“My heart is full of gratitude and reflection as I accept this award, which holds great meaning for me,” Surrago said during the ceremony, noting that she had extensively researched Dr. Irwin, and learned that while he lacked sight he still had tremendous vision. She also acknowledged some of the leaders she had worked under.
“In my 50 years, I was looking back, I’ve worked with 14 chairpersons, six CEOs, and hundreds of board members who have selflessly given their time and talent to enrich our program, and I’m so grateful that two of those six CEOs, Soraya and Kevin, are with us today,” Surrago continued, noting the presence of Kevin Lynch, who was president and CEO prior to Correa taking on that role.
Surrago said she had different career goals when she joined NIB in 1975.
“All of that changed after several blindfold experiences in orientation and mobility and skills of daily living,” she said. “These blindfold experiences also included working on the production line in one of our associated agencies. As editor of NIB’s Opportunity magazine and our annual reports, I interviewed many employees in our associated agencies to feature them in our publications. In doing so, I learned of their successes, life challenges, and admired their perseverance to achieve their career goals. These experiences instilled in me enormous admiration for the work of NIB and our associated agencies.”
Most recently, in addition to her work as assistant secretary for the NIB Board of Directors, Surrago served two other organizations managed by NIB – NSITE, NIB’s talent management enterprise, and the Empire State Employment Resources for the Blind, which oversees the daily operation of the New York State Preferred Source Program For New Yorkers Who Are Blind. She was a communications liaison between these two boards and NIB senior leadership, specifically regarding corporate governance matters and historical issues.
“I thoroughly enjoyed working with generations of very dedicated volunteer board members at NIB, NSITE, and the New York State Preferred Source Program for New Yorkers Who Are Blind,” Surrago said.
For NIB’s 50th anniversary, Surrago led a communications team that generated significant national, regional, and local media for the organization, culminating in a Presidential proclamation, Congressional resolution, Congressional record articles, and a PBS documentary. As a result, NIB received IRIS Awards of Merit from the International Association of Business Communicators for NIB’s communication program and commemorative history. In 2013, she authored the book, “Empowering People: The Story of National Industries for the Blind and its Associated Agencies; 75 Years – 1938-2013,” a resource still frequently consulted by NIB staff. (Access the audio book or PDF of Empowering People.”)
Paul Healy, former chairperson of the NIB Board of Directors, called the book “exceptional” in his remarks during the award ceremony. “When I became chairman of the board, that was the first book I picked up to read,” he said.
“Mary Jane’s contributions have been instrumental in shaping NIB into the organization it is today,” Healy also said. “For five decades, her leadership and storytelling have been pivotal in guiding NIB. We extend our deepest gratitude for her unwavering dedication and exemplary service.”
Correa also expressed gratitude for Surrago’s years of service to NIB and its board.
“Throughout her tenure, she has endeavored to chronicle NIB’s story and those of the people we have helped achieve employment,” Correa said. “Her knowledge of our organization is unparalleled, and she will be greatly missed.”
Following the close of the general session in the afternoon, she was also lauded with a reception, where Surrago spent time signing copies of her book for PPF attendees – which included 31 registered Advocates for Leadership and Employment, and representatives from 32 associated nonprofit agencies.
In addition to her work at NIB, Surrago has long been actively involved in her local community. She is a New Jersey State Certified Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and past president and active member of the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps. She served three terms on the Borough Council in Glen Rock, New Jersey, in several positions, including council president and chairperson of the divisions of Public Works, Public Safety, Community Affairs and Building Development, and Public Property. A graduate of Queens College in New York, Surrago holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in accounting and is a member of the National Association of Parliamentarians.
Surrago takes great pride in her work at NIB and the opportunity it afforded her to contribute to the organization’s continuing mission.
“We have evolved in many ways in the 50 years I have been with NIB, but our mission has remained laser focused on providing training and diversifying career opportunities for people who are blind,” she said. “I am so proud to have been a part of NIB’s mission and to have supported our associated agencies who make it happen.”