Ken Fernald
President/CEO
Ken Fernald has been with AVRE since 1990 and has been President/CEO since 2014. He began his tenure with the agency on the manufacturing floor, later overseeing Quality Assurance and then Manufacturing Operations. Prior to his current position, Ken was the Vice President of Operations.
Ken represents AVRE within the industry at the state and national levels, serving on the Boards of the New York Vision Rehabilitation Association (NYVRA), National Industries for the Blind (NIB), the National Association for the Employment of People who are Blind (NAEPB) and Guiding Eyes for the Blind (GEB). Within the local community, he serves on the UHS Foundation Board.
Ken holds a degree in Business Administration from SUNY Broome and through NIB’s Business Management Training program he earned a certificate in Business Management from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Graduate Business Administration. Ken has Juvenile Macular Degeneration and has been legally blind since he was a young child.
Carla Brooks
Chief Financial Officer
Carla joined AVRE as Chief Financial Officer in April 2025, bringing with her over 30 years of financial leadership across diverse industries, including manufacturing, construction, retail, transportation, healthcare, and government subcontracting. She holds both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an MBA from Western Governors University in Salt Lake City, Utah.
As CFO, Carla offers more than financial expertise - she brings a deep commitment to service. Her mission is to ensure AVRE maximizes its manufacturing profit potential while stewarding every donation with care, transparency, and purpose. From budgeting for accessible technology to planning future programs, Carla is dedicated to ensuring our resources are used to empower individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Through thoughtful financial stewardship, she helps transform hope into opportunity and numbers into meaningful change.
Carla enjoys experiencing all four seasons in New York but proudly holds onto her East Tennessee roots - especially when it comes to cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, with a special passion for football. She also loves traveling, reading, and spending quality time with her family.
Jennifer King
Vice President of Business Strategies
Jennifer King joined the AVRE team in September 2022. Jennifer has over 20 years working within the AbilityOne Program at National Industries for the Blind. Jennifer brings a wealth of knowledge of the program, processes, the regulatory environment, federal procurement, and acquisition expertise. Prior to joining NIB, Jennifer was a US Army officer serving in the logistics field and a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom alongside her husband.
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the United States Military Academy at West Point. She earned a Masters of Business Administration concentration in Strategic Studies from George Washington University. An avid learner, she also earned executive certificates in Facilitation and Strategic Management from Georgetown University. She was born and raised in New York calling northern Virginia her home with her husband and three children. When not supporting the AVRE mission, Jenn enjoys spending time with her family, coaching and swimming.
Cassie Burgess
Director of Operations
Cassie has been with AVRE since February 2015. For six years, she managed the organization’s communication and marketing efforts before transitioning into business development. In May 2024, she assumed the role of Director of Operations where she now oversees AVRE’s business division, logistics/shipping, and customer service.
Cassie holds a Bachelors’ of Science degree from Ithaca College and a certificate in Operations Management from Cornell University in 2023. As a leader, her primary goal is process improvement and promoting advocacy around and within the AbilityOne program.
Cassie is a native of the Southern Tier. Outside of AVRE, she is an avid sports fan and traveler.
Amanda Elam
Director of Business Development
Amanda has been with AVRE since 2014. Amanda started in the industry with AVRE’s New York State central non-profit association, Industries for the Blind of New York State (IBNYS), back in 2000. She stayed there through its transition to become the New York State Preferred Source Program for People who are Blind (NYSPSP) in 2012. When she came to AVRE, she brought a wealth of experience to bring products and services to government customers while finding opportunities to employ more people who are blind and visually impaired.
In her role as Director of Business Development, Amanda manages AVRE’s new business development efforts at the Federal, State, and commercial levels. She also oversees the management of our existing lines of business to ensure we are improving, expanding, and staying competitive.
Amanda is a native of New York State, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from SUNY Albany. She moved to North Carolina with her husband Wendell in 2015. There, she continues to work for AVRE remotely.
Mallory Evans
Director of Development
Mallory joined AVRE in June 2022. She comes to the organization with over ten years of experience in fundraising and development work for non-profits. She has worked with various local and national non-profit organizations like the American Cancer Society, the Scleroderma Foundation and most recently, The Discovery Center of the Southern Tier. Mallory holds a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Anthropology from Mansfield University.
Mallory lives in Apalachin with her husband and two kids and in her spare time is a musician performing locally with various acts. She also serves on the boards for The Discovery Center Foundation and the Tioga County Historical Society.
Holly Tasber
Director of Human Resources
Holly Tasber joined AVRE In February 2025 with over 17 years of senior level Human Resources experience in both for-profit as well as non-profit organizations. As the Director of Human Resources, Holly coordinates and manages Human Resource practices, services and programs that sustain as well as enhance a high performance, employee-oriented organizational culture.
Holly holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration (Human Resources Management concentration) and an Associates of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies. She is a SHRM certified professional; holds a PMQ (people manager qualification) micro credential; mental health first aid certification; and NYS Notary Public license.
Holly, born and raised in Cortland New York, is now living in the Southern Tier with her family. During her personal time, she enjoys working out at a local fitness center and spending time with family and friends.
Raini MacGibbon
Director of Vision Rehabilitation Services
Raini joined AVRE in May of 2026. Bringing over 30 years of human service experience, she began as front line staff and worked her way up through management to become an agency Executive Director for 17 years.
As the Director of Vision Rehabilitation Services, Raini provides leadership and operations management in program planning, quality assurance, contract management, negotiations, and customer relations with the VRS Division. She also assists the President/CEO in the identification of new service partners, revenue opportunities, reviewing program relevance, and initiating new programs.
Raini has a master’s degree in Social Science with a minor in Public Administration from Binghamton University. She is also the Chenango County Systems of Care Manager, a member of the Regional Trauma Informed Care Team, and most recently, was appointed to the Advisory Board of the Trauma Informed Network Resource Center in Albany, NY.
Raini was born and raised in the Southern Tier, where she still resides with her husband. She is also a volunteer for the Board of Directors of both HALos and Sidney Federal Credit Union.