A.V.R.E. CEO Hanye announces retirement

BINGHAMTON — The Association for Vision Rehabilitation and Employment, Inc. (A.V.R.E.) announced that president and CEO Robert K. Hanye plans to retire at the end of this year

Hanye joined A.V.R.E, then known as the Blind Work Association, in February 1999 after many years at National Industries for the Blind. During his tenure, Hanye led a successful capital campaign that moved the nonprofit organization from its location on Washington Street in Binghamton to a larger, more modern facility at 174 Court St., A.V.R.E said in a news release.

He guided A.V.R.E. through a period of sustained growth and enhancement of its employment and services for people of all ages who have a vision disability, the nonprofit said.

The A.V.R.E. board of directors has formed a search committee to seek a new CEO to lead the organization. No timetable was provided.

A.V.R.E. employed 67 people and generated nearly $8.2 million in revenue in 2012, according to its annual report.

A.V.R.E., founded in 1926, serves people with sustained and severe vision loss. The nonprofit works with individuals who live in the New York counties of Broome, Chemung, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Otsego, Schuyler, Tioga, and Tompkins, as well as the Pennsylvania counties of Bradford, Susquehanna, and Tioga.